Page 5 - The Indian EYE 011725

COVER STORY JANUARY 17, 2025 | The Indian Eye 5

Bharatiya Divas delegates from oth- tiatives in this regard.
er countries. “We work for female empower-
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar ment. Female foeticide has deeply
delivered the opening remarks of penetrated India and China, where,
the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on we believe, that more than 100 crore
Thursday in Odisha where he high- foetuses have been murdered since
lighted the importance of the dias- 1984. We work to create awareness
pora in nation-building, noted the about this issue... PM Modi’s initia-
government’s achievements for pro- tive Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has
viding a safety net for them and how saved the lives of more than 50 crore
the diaspora can become an anchor women,” he said.
to bring in developmental opportu- An orthopaedic surgeon Kayur
nities for India. Bhuj, attending the event reflect-
Speaking about the event, Jais- ed on attending the event, and said
hankar said, “This function is like a that everyone wants to give some-
family reunion; Indians living abroad thing back to India. “Everybody who
are able to see and experience for comes here takes out their own time
themselves the progress and devel- Diaspora from various parts of the world attend the inauguration of the 18th PBD Convention from their own busy professions or
opment taking place in their coun- in Bhubaneswar (ANI) businesses, and they spend their own
try”, he added that Indians are also air travel and their hotel accommo-
proud of the success and achieve- Speaking to reporters, Pravasi Rane emphasized the importance of dation costs. This is because of the
ments of the diaspora. Bharatiya Divas Awardee for Com- female empowerment and praised people of Indian origin. They feel
Speaking about the importance munity Service from Australia, Ajay Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ini- that they want to learn something
of the diaspora, Jaishankar said, “In from India. They want to give some-
a globalized era, the diaspora only thing back to India,” he said.
becomes more important with each US Delegates credit Modi for respect for Indians External Affairs Minister S Jais-
passing year. Whether it is technol- arabjit Singh Dhillon, a US del- because of Modi ji.” he said. hankar on Wednesday, highlighted
ogy, best practices or resources. Be egate attending the 18th Prava- “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is very the pivotal role of India’s younger
it tourism, trade or investment, the Ssi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha, well organized...It is great to see In- generation in driving global develop-
two-way flows you enable are invalu- expressed his admiration for India’s dia prospering and going ahead,” ments. Jaishankar emphasized that
able.” progress and organization of the Dhillon added. the younger generations are shaping
Jaishankar noted that the peo- event and said there has been a huge Further, Baba Daljit Singh, an- significant global changes, including
ple-centric changes being promot- improvement in India’s image glob- other US delegate praised PM Modi innovations in AI, electric vehicles
ed in India also benefit the diaspo- ally under Prime Minister Narendra and highlighted his contribution to (EVs), startups, and even sports like
ra, “This could be enhancing ease Modi’s leadership. On Wednesday, the minorities and Sikhs. “Modi ji cricket and chess.
of doing business, promoting ease Dhillon highlighted the positive im- is doing ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, “At a time when so many key
of living or facilitating connectivity pact of Prime Minister Narendra and in the next couple of years, In- developments in the world are being
and travel. The application of digital Modi’s diplomatic efforts, citing his dia will also be a world superpower. shaped by the younger generations -
technologies to ensure diaspora wel- recent visit to Australia. All that Modi ji has done for mi- whether we talk of AI or EV, innova-
fare is also apparent. In the last de- “India’s relationship with for- norities and Sikhs, no one ever has tion or startups, cricket, chess or any
cade, we have seen the simplification eign countries has improved a lot. done before...President Trump will sports - at home we have just started
of passport issues, renewal as well as Recently, PM Modi visited Austra- take oath soon, and PM Modi and our journey of Viksit Bharat in the
ease of attestation. consular services lia. We as migrants get a lot of at- Trump are good friends. This is good Amrit Kaal... While development it-
have improved, welfare measures tention from foreigners now. India news for the future for us...I want self is a very complex task - but it be-
is improving in every field. People
to see him (PM Modi) as the lead-
have increased, grievance platforms see us and India with respect now er in India,” Baba Daljit Singh said. comes easier when we are confident
are effective.” that nothing is beyond us,” he added.
Ricky Kej expresses joy as Modi praises his welcome song

rammy-winning musician Ricky Kej per- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is amazing. Tomorrow,
formed at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas I’m going to be performing at the Pravasi Bhara-
GConvention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on tiya Divas. I’ve composed the theme song for this
Thursday. Kej, who composed the theme song for year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and I’m honored to
the event, shared his experience performing at the perform that song tomorrow at the event. I’m very
event and expressed gratitude for Prime Minister excited to showcase the song, which is dedicated
Narendra Modi’s appreciation of his composition. to 1.4 billion Indians and 35 million strong mem-
“The Prime Minister praised the welcome bers of the Indian diaspora worldwide,” he said.
song I composed for the Pravasi Bharatiya Di- Kej also shared his admiration for Odisha, calling
vas in his speech, which was heartwarming and it a state of immense beauty and “cultural heritage”.
encouraging... I hope that this song encourages “Odisha is a beautiful state, not only for its
everybody to work together for our country... so arts and culture but also for its tremendous her-
we can create a Viksit Bharat...,” said the Gram- Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej performs during the itage, beautiful temples, ancient structures, and,
my-winning artist. when it comes to agriculture and tribal communi-
On Wednesday, Kej spoke about the honor inauguration of the convention (ANI) ties, it’s just a beautiful, beautiful state. I’m very,
of participating in the event, calling Bhubaneswar very glad that the government has decided to hold
one of his favorite cities. sha, in Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar is one of my this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on such a grand
“It’s a huge honor for me to be here in Odi- favorite cities in India, and to come here for the scale in the state of Odisha.”

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