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New Delhi, India: External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, S Jaishankar, lauded the Indian diaspora, on Sunday, saying it is the world’s largest and most talented diaspora.
According to Jaishankar, India has the world’s largest and most talented diaspora.
In his inaugural address to the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, S Jaishankar stated that what is perhaps unique about the community of India is the intensity of bonding fostered by conventions such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which is currently taking place in the city of Indore. “India has the world’s largest diaspora, and many would argue, the most talented. But perhaps what distinguishes us is the intensity of the relation between the community abroad and the motherland,” the minister said.
“And that is a two-way street especially promoted by events like the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas,” he added while addressing the young delegates from India and abroad.
The event was attended by Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Chouhan, Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and Zaneta Mascarenhas, Australian Parliamentarian Minister.
The three-day 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention has been organised under the theme “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”.
Jaishankar further emphasised the importance of this relationship with the Indian diaspora in the face of the Covid pandemic.
“For its part, the Government of India launched the Vande Bharat Mission and the Vaccine Maitri initiative, both of which were heavily focused on our diaspora partners,” he said.
The External Affairs Minister also acknowledged the tremendous support the Indian government received from the PIO-NRI community during their Covid experience.
“As we meet today, I can truly say that the bonds have increased even stronger as a result of all the difficulties we faced during the Covid period,” he continued.
Jaishankar explained that a diaspora’s identity is heavily influenced by how closely it is linked to its roots.
“Here, too, our efforts have been to encourage greater exposure to Indian culture and traditions abroad. I believe the majority of our embassies now offer yoga, dance, and music classes,” he stated.
