President Murmu describes bond between Indian diaspora and their homeland as eternal

Describing bond between Indian diaspora and their homeland as eternal, President Droupadi Murmu said their entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and knowledge-sharing are crucial in shaping the vision of a developed India.

“The connection between the Indian Diaspora and the Motherland is eternal. No matter where you are in the world, Bharat is and will always be your home. This bond is rooted in shared heritage, culture, and values. It is this connection that we celebrate today, and it is this connection that will continue to inspire us as we move forward together,” said Ms. Murmu while addressing Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention that came to an end in Bhubaneswar on Friday (January 10, 2025).

She said, “as we celebrate the achievements of our Pravasi Bharatiya family, let us also look forward to the future with hope and determination. 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.”

“Our vision for Viksit Bharat aligns with our growing stature on the world stage, particularly as a leading voice for the Global South. It is guided by our timeless philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, or ‘The World is One Family’,” said President.

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“This vision is about creating an ecosystem that not only meets our needs, but also contributes to global well-being. We seek to be a nation that balances economic progress with social justice and environmental stewardship, ensuring a bright future for generations to come. Each one of you, whether through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or knowledge-sharing, will play an essential role in achieving this vision,” she remarked.

Ms. Murmu said recognising the crucial role of the diaspora in nation-building, the Indian government had undertaken several initiatives including simplification of consular services for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and digitisation of process for Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).

Under the initiatives like “Know India Programme”, younger members of Indian diaspora are facilitated to rediscover their Indian roots.

“We have also been proactive in safeguarding interests of Indians living abroad. In recent years, we have launched several missions, including Operation Kaveri, Operation Ganga and Operation Vande Bharat, to assist distressed Indians. Today, Indians around the world can count on their homeland for support and protection in times of need,” said President. She presented Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.