Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the documentation of the Indian diaspora’s remarkable journey, urging the community to preserve its history through the digitisation of documents, films, and documentaries.
Addressing the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Modi praised the Indian diaspora for their pivotal role in India’s independence and continued contributions to the nation’s growth.
Modi also invited the diaspora to assist in shaping India’s future, aiming to make the country a developed nation by 2047.
In his speech, Modi expressed pride in the achievements of the Indian diaspora, whom he regards as ambassadors of India. He lauded their accomplishments across various countries, emphasising how their contributions have enriched societies worldwide.
Modi encouraged diaspora members to document the inspiring stories of their predecessors, such as the Girmitiya community, who had journeyed to distant lands, turning challenges into opportunities.
Modi’s call to action extended to the creation of a database and an Oral History Project to capture the stories of Indian immigrants and their descendants. He proposed establishing a university chair to study the Girmitiya legacy and urged the diaspora to gather annually at the World Girmitiya Conference. He also suggested that diaspora members collaborate in efforts to digitise historical materials, making their stories accessible to future generations.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in strengthening the bond between India and its diaspora. He shared how the event celebrates Indian heritage, with the 2025 edition taking place in Odisha, a region with deep maritime connections to Southeast Asia. Modi connected this to India’s broader goal of reinforcing its ‘Act East’ policy while connecting the diaspora to their roots.
Modi’s address also celebrated India’s rising global stature, emphasising the country’s progress and its growing influence on the global stage. He praised the diaspora for their role in amplifying India’s voice, particularly in advocating for the Global South. He also noted that India’s rapid economic development has lifted millions out of poverty and set the country on a path to become the third-largest economy in the world.
In a poignant moment, Modi acknowledged the diaspora’s contributions to India’s independence in 1947 and the ongoing role they play in the country’s development. He encouraged members to engage in heritage tourism, not only by visiting major cities but also by exploring India’s smaller towns and villages. He urged them to share India’s rich culture, history, and progress with their non-Indian friends, further strengthening global ties.
The prime minister also stressed the importance of India’s youth, encouraging them to embrace education opportunities such as the ‘Study in India’ programme and take part in initiatives like the “Bharat Ko Janiye” quiz to learn about India’s heritage and history. Modi highlighted that the diaspora should help spread the true story of India’s prosperity, struggles, and achievements, noting that the next generation in many countries may be unaware of the depth of India’s history.
Modi’s call to action extended to purchasing and promoting ‘Made in India’ products, urging diaspora members to contribute to the country’s economic development by supporting Indian goods. He also touched upon the emotional connection between the diaspora and India, encouraging them to plant a tree in their mother’s name as a symbol of their bond with their homeland.
With the Pravasi Bharatiya Express also launched as part of the celebrations, Modi expressed hope that the train would provide an opportunity for diaspora members to connect with India’s spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage. He concluded by wishing everyone a prosperous 2025 and reaffirmed India’s commitment to assisting its diaspora, no matter where they are in the world.
This yea, Australia’s Prof. Ajay Rane and Fiji’s Swami Sanyuktanand have been announced as recipients of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), highest honour for overseas Indians.
Prof. Ajay Rane is recognised for his outstanding contributions to community service. A professor and staunch advocate for women’s health, Prof. Rane’s work in Australia has led to transformative changes in maternal healthcare and social equity.
Equally notable is the recognition of Swami Sanyuktanand from Fiji, whose humanitarian and spiritual leadership has been pivotal for over two decades.
As the founder of the Fiji Sevashram Sangha, established in April 2000, he has been the driving force behind its growth into one of Fiji’s largest and most effective humanitarian and spiritual organisations. Initially based at Suva’s Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Swami Sanyuktanand collaborated with community leaders to lay the foundation for the Sangha, initiating activities like student camps, Purnima pooja, and disaster relief efforts.
Support Our Journalism
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon