“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 Padhao, Mudra, Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan or Swanidhi schemes since 2014 showing our serious commitment. 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,” he said addressing the opening ceremony of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Bhubaneswar is organising the 18th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas for the first time. On the first day, Youth Pravasi Divas was held to honour Young Indian diaspora between 21 to 35 years old who have been instrumental in shaping up India’s image in the international arena. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9 and President Droupadi Murmu will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on the concluding day of January 10.
Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha 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.”
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 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 Shri 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 the country in finding their dream jobs in foreign nations, armed with skills imparted through the scheme.
Mr Dev Pragad, CEO of the Newsweek media house 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 in the recent past, 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 ideas exchanges in such events will inspire and guide the youth for a bright future.
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 investment potential of the state. The Union Minister and the state government official 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, EAM 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 Jai Shankar stressing on the business expansion opportunities in sectors like trade and tourism in Odisha.
Odisha CM Majhi said that his government has received 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 the visiting diaspora to participate in the growth journey of the state.
“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,” said Majhi during the joint session.
Principal Secretary for the Industries Department, Mr Hemant Sharma later shared a presentation with the business leaders with the expectation that the conversations today will take the shape of business proposition soon.
Tags: Dr S Jaishankar, India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha
