India’s President Droupadi Murmu, who on Friday attended the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (PBD) in Odisha, said the Indian diaspora represents the best of the country and is an integral part of the country’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative envisions India as a developed nation by the centenary of its independence in 2047.
“They have carried with them not just the knowledge and skills acquired in this sacred land, but also the values and ethos that have been the foundation of our civilisation for millennia,” Murmu said.
“Whether in the fields of technology, medicine, arts, or entrepreneurship, the Indian Diaspora has made a mark that the world acknowledges and respects,” she said.
The President congratulated all the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees.
She said that their success stories are not just a matter of pride for India, but they also inspire millions across the world to strive for excellence.
She also congratulated Christine Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and said that her outstanding contributions in leading her nation, with a special focus on women and the Indian diaspora, has set a high benchmark on the world stage.
The President said that India today is marching towards Viksit Bharat — a developed India — by the year 2047.
She said that it is a national mission that requires proactive and enthusiastic participation of every Indian, including those living abroad.
“Their global presence gives them a unique perspective, and their achievements place them in a position to significantly contribute to the realization of a developed India,” Murmu said.
“Together, we can build a Viksit Bharat, a nation that stands tall on the global stage and continues to be a beacon of light for the world,” the Indian President said.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (PBD), 2025 was held in partnership with the Government of Odisha in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha from January 8 to 10.
This was the first PBD to be held in Eastern India.
A large gathering of delegates from over 75 countries participated in PBD 2025.
Indian PM Narendra Modi inaugurated PBD 2025 on January 9.
