PM Modi inaugurates 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention

PM Modi inaugurated the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention organized in a virtual format on January 9, 2021. It is a flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs which also provides a significant platform to engage and connect with overseas citizens.

President Ram Nath Kovind will also be delivering the valedictory address to mark the occasion. As per the release, in view of the sentiments of India’s vibrant diaspora community, the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is organized on January 9, despite the ongoing pandemic.

The theme of the event is ‘Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The event will also feature the keynote address by the Chief Guest President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

Speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Watch. https://t.co/FZ4l1KeGdF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2021

PM Modi's address at the convention: Key Highlights

• PM Modi while inaugurating the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention stated that even though in the present times we have been connected with the world through the internet but our minds will always be connected with 'Maa Bharti'. 

Today we have been connected with internet from various corners of the world but our minds are always connected with 'Maa Bharti': PM Narendra Modi at 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention pic.twitter.com/Qq7iOWHKwC

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

• He also added that in the past, Non-resident Indians have been able to strengthen their identities in other countries. 

In the past years, Non-Resident Indians have strengthened their identity in other countries: PM Narendra Modi https://t.co/D3SjMSAm33

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

•  While talking about India's achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi highlighted that India used to import ventilators, masks, PPE kits, and testing kits from outside but today we have become self-reliant. He added that India is also ready to save humanity with the help of two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines. 

India used to import PPE kits, masks, ventilators and testing kits from outside but today our nation is self-reliant. Today India is ready to save humanity with two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines: PM Narendra Modi at 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention pic.twitter.com/EhBijcTO6G

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

• Prime Minister Modi during his address also mentioned that when India stood against terrorism, the world too got the courage to face this challenge. He added that today India has also been using technology to end corruption and money worth lakhs and crores are being directly credited into the accounts of the beneficiaries. 

When India stood in the face of terrorism, world too got the courage to face this challenge. Today, India is using technology to end corruption. Money worth lakhs & crores are directly being credited to account of beneficiary: PM Modi at 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention pic.twitter.com/inqPBH8yp1

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

• While talking about the ongoing campaign of India, PM Modi informed that the campaign for empowering the poor of the country is being discussed around the world. he added that India has shown that in the world of renewable energy, a developing country can also take a lead. 

The ongoing campaign in India to empower the poor of the country is being discussed around the world. We have shown that in the sector of renewable energy, a developing country too can take lead: PM Narendra Modi https://t.co/bMw3lnwDll

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

Two plenary sessions during inauguration:

The inaugural session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be followed by the two Plenary sessions:

•  The first plenary will be on the role of diaspora in Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It will be featuring addresses by the Commerce and Industry Minister and the External Affairs Minister.

•  The second plenary session will be addressed by the Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of Health. This session will be on Facing Post COVID Challenges- Scenario in Economy, Health, Social and International Relations.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees 2020-2021:

There will be a valedictory session on the last day of the convention, where the President will deliver his valedictory address. The names of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees will also be announced.

The awards are conferred to select members of the Indian diaspora for recognizing their achievements and to honour their contributions in different fields, both India and abroad.