Youths Are Connecting India To The World: Foreign Minister Jaishankar At Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The foreign minister said that the identity of a diaspora is very much derived from how closely it is connected to its roots.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday praised Indian youths for "connecting India to the world"

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday praised Indian youths for "connecting India to the world" by studying, working and travelling abroad, while addressing the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) programme held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Delivering the inaugural address, he said, "Whether it is the startup of technology, the younger generations are at the forefront of connecting India to the world. Our endeavour is to maximise our support for the diaspora. We aim to focus on the redressal of grievances through online mechanisms. I am confident that Indian youth at home and abroad will propel the growth of this country to greater heights. We strive to create a better workplace and non-discriminatory approach."

The foreign minister said that the identity of a diaspora is very much derived from how closely it is connected to its roots.

"It is a matter of pride for us that centres of faith are growing abroad and serve the purpose of inculcating values, promoting culture and nurturing traditions. I think the one in Abu Dhabi has attracted particular attention of the people," he said.

Jaishankar said that India has the largest diaspora in the world. "What's unique about us is the intensity of bonding among us in the community abroad. This is an era where we're increasingly confident about our prospects and seek to connect with the international community," he added.

He further said that the country's relationship with 34 million people of Indian origin is what brings us here. "This relationship was very much evident amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognised the tremendous response that we got from PIO. Our bond has become ever stronger as the result of all the trials. The identity of the diaspora is derived from how closely is connected," he added.

Speaking about Indore, he said, "People have spoken about Indore as the cleanest city. It is the city of the warmest people and hospitality."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur and Australia's Member of Parliament Zaneta Mascarenhas also addressed the event.