The Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledges the role of the young Indian diaspora in enhancing India’s perception globally and therefore, several schemes have been introduced to nurture domestic young talent, providing them with the opportunity to shine on the world stage, said Dr S Jaishankar, Union External Affairs Minister here.
He was addressing the Yuva Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ceremony, the first-day programme of the mega event 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas at Bhubaneswar organised by the Ministry of External AƯairs, GoI
and Govt of Odisha jointly.
As Bhubaneswar, the temple city of Odisha organises the PBD for the first time, the first session was dedicated to the Young Indian diaspora who have been instrumental in shaping up India’s image in the international arena.
Dr Jaishankar said “It is critical to invest in the youth power in order to achieve their full potential. The Union Government has launched several beneficiary schemes, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mudra, Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan or Swanidhi schemes since 2014 showing our serious commitment for people’s welfare. Each of these schemes ensures the future of our youth. They will help in bringing their skill and creativity to the fore ensuring that India’s talent is fully available at a global workspace”.
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, who was on the stage with the dignitaries, appealed to the visiting diaspora to explore the state. He said, “Allow me to take you on a walk-through Odisha, the land that warmly welcomes you today. Odisha is a land of timeless heritage. Odisha is a treasure trove of history, culture and natural
beauty. I would like all of you to explore nature’s secrets in Odisha and take a little bit of Odisha along with you.”
He said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, we are working hard to achieve the goal of Samruddh Odisha by 2036 and Viksit Bharat by 2047. A key component of Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat is ‘Purvodaya’ development of the eastern Indian states.”
On the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organisning Viksit Bharat Young Leadership Dialogue 2025 and National Youth Festival in New Delhi. Dr. Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports who attended the event in Bhubaneswar today stressed upon how the Union Government has been empowering youth power through platforms like the leadership dialogue.
Among other key leaders, Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs in his opening remarks lauded Union Government schemes like Pravasi Kaushal Vikash Yojna that has been paving way for the youth of country in finding their dream jobs in foreign nations, armed with skills imparted through the scheme.
Mr Dev Pragad, CEO of the Newsweek magazine from the USA was the guest of honour at the event.
He highlighted his roots in India and discussed how the Indian diaspora has become a top choice to lead US business houses recently, thanking the culture and traditions of India and its ethos.
Ms. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports thanked the Government of Odisha for hosting the event and said such events will inspire and guide the youth for a bright future through exchange of ideas and cultural communications.
The three-day mega event will witness the august presence of Prime Minister Modi, who will inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9 and President Droupadi Murmu who will deliver the valedictory address and confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on January 10.
MEA, Odisha Business Session
A joint business session by the Ministry of External Affairs and Government of Odisha was organised on the sidelines of the event to showcase the investment potential of the state. The Union Minister and the state government oƯicial pitched for collaborative efforts to convert the vast natural resources of Odisha into sustainable development and wealth creation.
Addressing the potential investors and the diaspora, Minister, EA, Dr. Jaishankar said “We want to give you the message of the double engine government. India will consider the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) as its partners to promote Odisha and its vast potential to drive growth and generate employment.”
Odisha’s 480 km long coastline and natural deep-water ports facing the Southeast Asian nations pose a promising opportunity for high-volume trade and investment collaboration with the Southeast Asian nations.
“I see India’s eastern seabed as the connector for Southeast Asia with India,” added Jaishankar stressing on the business expansion opportunities in sectors like trade and tourism in Odisha.
Odisha CM Majhi said that his government has received a Rs 2.2 lakh crore investment proposal since its formation in June 2024 and has been able to get a commitment of Rs 40,000 crore investment in infrastructure development proposal from the Union Government, while appealing to the visiting diaspora to participate in the growth journey of the state.
Majhi said that on the eve of the observance of the 100th anniversary of state formation in 2036, Odisha aspires to becomea $1 trillion economy as part of its vision of Samruddh Odisha For Viksit Bharat. “Our vision is to make Odisha a key driver of India’s economic growth emphasising the state’s focus on sustainable development and global partnership. As India has become the number one destination in terms of FDI (foreign direct investment), I would like to make Odisha the number one state in terms of attracting FDI,” he added.
Principal Secretary, Industries Department, GoO Hemant Sharma shared a presentation amongst the business leaders expecting, the conversation to take the shape of a business proposition soon.
