Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described Pravasi Bhartiyas as the “brand ambassadors” of India on foreign soil and said they have a significant place in the journey of the country as it enters the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of the next 25 years.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) or NRI Day is celebrated in India to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India.  It is celebrated on January 9 every year, on the same day that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. The day is also meant to recognize and honour the achievements and contributions of overseas Indians and to strengthen ties between India and the global Indian community.

"Your role as India's brand ambassador is diverse. You are a brand ambassador of Make in India, yoga and Ayurveda, Indian cottage industries and handicraft, millets," the Prime Minister said after inaugurating the 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city.

"Today India is being looked at with hope and curiosity. India’s voice is being heard on the global stage. India is also the host of this year's G20. We do not want to make it only a diplomatic event, but an event of people’s participation," the Prime Minister said. "India not only has the capability of becoming a knowledge center, but also a skilled capital. Our youth has skills, values, honesty and determination towards work. Our skilled capital can become the world's growth engine," PM Modi added.

President of the Republic of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who was the special guest of honour at the event, said India has proven to be a reliable partner on regional and global platforms.  “Suriname has sought partnership (with India) in various fields including health, financial sectors and strengthening cultural ties by setting up institutes for Hindi language promotion in the Caribbean country,” he said.

Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who was the chief guest at the event, in his address said, “When globalization failed during the pandemic, Modi showed that it exists.” He recalled India’s help in providing COVID-19 vaccines and medicines to various countries and termed India as an important strategic partner.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was first celebrated in 2003, and it has since become an annual event. It is organized by the ministry of external affairs, Government of India, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other stakeholders.

Image courtesy: ANI