The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention on Thursday at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar is witnessing a big turnout, with delegates from all over the world eager to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many attendees have expressed their admiration for his leadership and vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Sobhana Jaya Madhavan, a delegate from Canada, shared her enthusiasm about the event, saying, “I'm delighted to be here at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. I'm of Indian origin from Canada, and I'm thrilled to meet people worldwide. It's also exciting that the Prime Minister will participate along with other dignitaries. The Indian story, for me, is one of hope, a story of what happens when a country unites to work hard and bring out the best in itself.”
Mukund Purohit, a 2017 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award recipient, remarked, “This is a great opportunity for the Indian diaspora to come together on one platform, network, and learn about our Indian culture.”
Kiran Asher, a delegate from Oman, said, “As a Pravasi Bharatiya, I have seen the colourful events since 2013. Today, the atmosphere feels wonderful. Listening to PM Modi Ji will be great. I am looking forward to hearing from him. Enjoying the day here. We wish all the organisers a great time.”
Alkesh Joshi, another delegate from Oman, highlighted the historic ties between India and Oman, saying, “We are here to celebrate 5,000 years of the relationship between Oman and India. PM Modi's efforts in elevating India's stature and reputation to the next level are truly admirable. We firmly believe that the next decade, and indeed the century, belongs to India. Aligning ourselves with India will not only strengthen this bond but also contribute to our mutual growth.”
The atmosphere at Janata Maidan is electric, with participants excited to hear the Prime Minister's address. Several attendees shared that they registered for the event as soon as they heard about it and expressed admiration for PM Modi's leadership qualities. Many credited him with addressing India’s leadership gap and steering the country toward progress and global recognition.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention commenced on Wednesday with the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Delegates participated in several plenary sessions on the first day, discussing key issues related to the diaspora and India's development.
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to inaugurate four exhibitions at the venue and visit promotional stalls set up by various Union ministries and state governments, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
President Droupadi Murmu will deliver the valedictory address on January 10, marking the conclusion of the three-day convention. She will also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, honouring distinguished members of the diaspora.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.