The Union government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledges the role of the young Indian diaspora in enhancing India’s global perception. As a result, 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 AƯairs Minister.

He was addressing the Yuva Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ceremony, the first-day programme of the 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) at Bhubaneswar. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, GoI, and the Odisha government.

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Odisha’s Capital city, Bhubaneswar, hosted the PBD for the first time. The first session was dedicated to the young Indian diaspora who have been instrumental in shaping India’s image on the international stage.

“It is critical to invest in the power of youth to help them achieve their full potential. The Union government has launched several beneficiary schemes, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mudra, Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan, and Swanidhi, since 2014, demonstrating our serious commitment to people’s welfare. Each of these schemes ensures a bright future for our youth, enabling them to bring their skills and creativity to the fore, ensuring that India’s talent is fully available in the global workspace,” Jaishankar said.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who shared the dias with the dignitaries, appealed to the visiting diaspora to explore the state.

“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,” Majhi exhorted the dignitaries.

He said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are working hard to achieve the goal of Samruddh Odisha by 2036 and Viksit Bharat by 2047. A key component of the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat is the ‘Purvodaya’ development of the eastern Indian states.”

On the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Union Ministry of Youth AƯairs and Sports organised the Viksit Bharat Young Leadership Dialogue 2025 and the National Youth Festival in New Delhi.

Dr Mansukh L Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, who attended the event in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, stressed 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, which have been paving way for the youth of the country to find 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 Indian roots and discussed how the Indian diaspora has recently become a top choice to lead US business houses, attributing this success to India’s culture, traditions, and 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 an exchange of ideas and cultural communications.

The three-day mega event will witness the 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 the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on January 10.