PM Modi appeals diaspora to drive India towards 'Viksit Bharat-2047’ at PBD convention in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, January 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on the Indian diaspora to play a crucial role in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.

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 Addressing the gathering at the inaugural session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, PM Modi emphasized the contributions of the diaspora, both historically and in India’s current journey toward becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

"While the Indian diaspora had a major role in securing India’s freedom, today, we have set a new goal—to make India a developed nation by 2047," said Prime Minister Modi. He expressed his appreciation for the Indian diaspora, acknowledging their hard work and significant role in the country’s economic progress, which has made India the world leader in remittances.

Modi pointed out that India is not only about its major cities. A large part of the country’s population resides in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as well as rural areas. He encouraged the diaspora to actively promote India’s heritage tourism in the countries they live in. "Indian culture is deeply embedded in these places. We must connect the world with this rich heritage," he said.

The Prime Minister appealed to members of the diaspora to explore India’s less-known destinations—small towns and villages—and share their experiences with people in their host countries. "It’s important to educate the world about India’s true history—our ancient prosperity, the period of subjugation, and the struggles we endured. Today’s generation in many countries is unaware of these aspects of our past. You all can be the voice that tells the world the real story of India," PM Modi added.

He reiterated that India’s development strategy is not just about progress, but also about preserving and promoting its heritage. During the G-20 summit, the Indian government organized various meetings across the country to give the world a firsthand experience of India’s cultural diversity. Modi also announced that the government plans to establish Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centres to propagate the teachings of the great Tamil saint.

Highlighting the significance of the Indian diaspora’s history abroad, PM Modi referenced the ongoing effort to collect and digitize the stories of people of Gujarati origin who settled in Oman centuries ago. "The legacy of the Indian diaspora is vast and spread across the world. Their stories of migration and success form an important chapter in India’s history. These inspiring tales need to be shared and cherished," he said.

The Prime Minister also urged the diaspora to help popularize local Indian products in their host countries. "You have an important role to play in making Indian products global. Buy ‘Made in India’ products—whether it's food, clothing, or other goods—and promote them wherever you live," he appealed.

 Calling the diaspora "ambassadors of India," Modi reassured them that the Indian government has always prioritized their safety and well-being, particularly in times of crisis. "Your welfare is a top priority for us. No matter where you are, we consider it our responsibility to help you during any crisis. This is a fundamental aspect of India’s foreign policy today," the Prime Minister said.