Future is not in ‘Yuddha’, but in ‘Buddha’: PM Modi at 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha

Highlighting the achievements of India during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the Indian diaspora and stressed the need to take the path of development and not war in the interest of mankind.

"Odisha represents the heritage of India in every step we take, be it Udayagiri, Khandagiri caves, or the famous Konark Temple. In ancient days, Odisha sailors used to go to Bali, Indonesia and till today, Odisha celebrates Bali Yatra. It is also home to Dhauli, which is the symbol of peace. When the world conquered each other with swords, Samrat Ashok chose the path of ‘peace and righteousness’ here in Odisha. It is because of this that India sends a message that the future is not in yuddha (war), but in ‘Buddha’ (the Lord who symbolises peace),” said PM Modi.

Addressing the Indian diaspora, the PM said, “In this land of Lord Jagannath and Lord Lingaraj, I welcome all the sons and daughters of Maa Bharati who have come from across the globe. We just heard from the chief guest of this Pravasi Bharatiya Divas; the video message of the president of Trinidad and Tobago, her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo has left an impact on all of us. She too was speaking about India’s progress. I thank her for the warm and affectionate words. This is a time for vibrant festivals and gatherings in India. In just a few days, the Maha Kumbh Meal will start in Prayagraj, the festival of Makar Sankranti, Lohir, Pongal and Mag Bihu are also coming up. There is a joyful atmosphere everywhere.”

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an institution to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora.

“Together, we celebrate India, Indianness, our culture, our progress and connect to our roots… I have always thought Indian diasporas are the true ambassadors of our country. I get great peace when I meet NRIs across the globe. So, I want to thank every one of you. I want to thank you because it is because of you I get the chance to walk with my head high in pride. In the last 10 years, I have met several leaders across the world, and everyone has only heaped praises on Indian diasporas because we have social values,” said PM Modi.

Not Just Mother of Democracy, But It’s Our Way of Life: PM Modi

“We are not just the mother of democracy, but democracy is our way of life, our lifestyle. We don’t have to be taught diversity, rather, our life runs on diversity. That’s why wherever Indians go, they become part of the society of that particular place (country). We respect the rules and traditions of that country and also honestly serve that country and its society, contributing to its growth and prosperity. But at the same time, our hearts continue to beat for Bharat,” said the Prime Minister.

"The pace at which India is moving forward, the scale at which development works are going on, is unimaginable. In just 10 years, India has uplifted 25 crore people from poverty and made India the 5th largest economy in the world. The day is not too far when India will be the third-largest economy," he said.

“We feel proud when Chandrayaan reaches Shiv Shakti. Every sector is breaking records to touch the sky be it renewable energy, electric mobility, metro network, or bullet train project. Today, India is making ‘Made in India’ fighter jets and transport aircraft. The day is also not too far when you all will come on Made in India plane to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas… India is the ‘most young’ and skilled country in the world. Our country will fulfill the skill demands of the whole world. The whole world is welcoming India’s skilled youths. So, our effort is to make youths skilled enough to represent our country on the world stage,” stated PM Modi.