Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India was poised to achieve developed nation status by 2047, marking the country’s 100th year of independence. He underscored the important role of the Indian diaspora in realising this goal.
Speaking after inaugurating the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, the Prime Minister commended members of the diaspora for their major contributions to India’s economic progress and global standing. “The Indian diaspora has enhanced India’s global image through hard work and achievements in various fields,” Modi said, adding that they also served as ambassadors of Indian culture, which espouses peace, fraternity, and cooperation.
Highlighting the government’s achievements, Modi noted that over 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty since 2014 and that India’s economy had experienced remarkable growth. “From being the 10th largest economy, we have now become the 5th largest in the world, and very soon, India will be the third largest economy,” he said. Modi also detailed advancements in renewable energy, electric mobility, and the manufacture of fighter jets, transport aircraft, metro systems, and bullet trains. “The day is not far when Pravasi Bharatiyas will travel to India in aircraft built in India,” Modi added.
The Prime Minister emphasised that India remained a young nation and pledged to continue investing in skill development among the youth. He then inaugurated a series of exhibitions featuring promotional stalls from various Union ministries and state governments, showcasing India’s cultural heritage and economic opportunities.
Addressing the convention virtually was President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, who praised the global engagement of the Indian community. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Union ministers including Dr S. Jaishankar, Jual Oram, Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, as well as Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The convention will conclude on Friday with President Droupadi Murmu delivering the valedictory address and presenting the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to outstanding members of the Indian diaspora.
