PM Modi unveiled the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a unique train for the Indian Diaspora
As part of India’s ongoing attempts to connect with its global diaspora, the Pravasi Bharatiya Express serves as an exceptional symbol of unification, providing a unique opportunity for NRIs to rediscover their cultural roots. On January 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a unique tourist train for the Indian diaspora, from New Delhi’s Nizamuddin Railway Station. The Prime Minister spoke during the convention, which intended to showcase Odisha’s culture and legacy to NRIs (non-resident Indians) from 50 nations who had travelled to India.
The event coincided with the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Trip to Rewire the Diaspora
The Pravasi Bharatiya Express is a unique three-week excursion that will carry passengers, primarily aged 45 to 65, to some of India’s most prominent tourist and religious attractions. The train, which can seat 156 people, is a joint project of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana. The locations include Ayodhya, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kochi, Goa, Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Ajmer, Pushkar, and Agra.
The goal is to enable the Indian diaspora to reconnect with their roots and discover India’s cultural and spiritual legacy. According to a ministry statement, it would pay all tour expenditures, including lodging in 4-star or similar hotels as specified on the itinerary, as well as 90% of qualifying participants’ return flights from their home countries to India. This leaves them with only 10% of the airfare expenditures.
The launch date, January 9, also commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on this date in 1915, a watershed moment in the Indian independence cause.
According to Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) at the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian diaspora is one of the world’s largest sources of remittances, with 35.4 million individuals, including 19.5 million PIOs and 15.8 million NRIs. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention featured five thematic plenary sessions: “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalised World,” “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills,” “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development,” “Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti,” and “Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection, and Belongingness.”
He emphasized the importance of the diaspora, describing them as a “living bridge” between India and the nations they live in. Chatterjee also mentioned the diaspora’s potential to boost Odisha’s tourism, which is mostly unexplored. “The state has a lot to offer to international tourists,” according to him.
Thanking the Chief Guest, H.E. Christine Carla Kangaroo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, for her honest and kind remarks in her video message, the Prime Minister stated that she also discussed India’s progress, and her comments had an impact on everyone present at the ceremony.
He stated that this edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was unique for another reason: it took place a few days after the birth centennial of Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision was vital in PBD.
“Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an institution to reinforce the bond between India and its diaspora”, he remarked. The Prime Minister emphasized that we celebrate India, Indian-ness, our culture, and development while also connecting with our heritage. “The great land of Odisha, where we have gathered, is a reflection of India’s rich heritage”, he commented.
“India is not only the mother of democracy; democracy is an integral part of Indian life,” the Prime Minister declared.
Modi emphasized India’s achievements, such as the Chandrayaan mission reaching the Shiv-Shakti point and global recognition of Digital India’s strength, and stated that every sector in India is advancing to new heights, breaking records in renewable energy, aviation, electric mobility, metro networks, and bullet train projects. He stated that India is currently producing “Made in India” fighter fighters and transport aircraft. He saw a future in which people would fly to India for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas aboard “Made in India” planes.
The Prime Minister highlighted the initiatives taken to connect India’s cultural monuments, stating that special trains such as the Ramayana Express allowed access to areas associated with Lord Ram and Sita Mata. He further mentioned that Bharat Gaurav trains connected key cultural sites across the country, while semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains linked major heritage centres in India. The Prime Minister addressed the start of a special Pravasi Bharatiya Express train, which would transport around 150 passengers to seventeen tourism and faith-related locations. He invited everyone to visit Odisha’s several major monuments and emphasized the impending Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, asking people to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
The event was attended by the Governor of Odisha, Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi, Union Ministers Shri S. Jaishankar, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Shri Jual Oram, and Union Ministers of State, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, and Shri Pabitra Margherita, among other dignitaries.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention
Security was tight in the state capital ahead of the three-day convention and the prime minister’s visit. A senior official stated that over 2,700 police officers and 1,200 central forces soldiers were deployed in Bhubaneswar for security and traffic control.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held to encourage more involvement with the Indian diaspora. This year’s convention subject is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, and it will include five plenary sessions on Diaspora Youth Leadership, Women’s Leadership, and Sustainable Development.
In addition to unveiling the train, Prime Minister Modi will open numerous exhibitions highlighting India’s achievements and cultural legacy.
The last Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference took place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Security and Preparations
Bhubaneswar’s security has been reinforced in preparation for the three-day conference. Approximately 2,700 police officers and 1,200 central troops will be deployed to guarantee smooth operations and safety.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Express and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention are strong initiatives that engage and enhance the link between India and its worldwide diaspora. The train ride is more than simply a tour; it’s a significant celebration of culture, legacy, and community.
Background
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the Government of India’s flagship event, providing an essential forum for connecting and engaging with the Indian diaspora, allowing people to contact one another. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be held in Bhubaneswar from January 8th to 10th, 2025, in conjunction with the State Government of Odisha. The subject for this PBD Convention is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. A large number of Indian diaspora members from over 50 different countries have registered to attend the PBD Convention.
The Prime Minister remotely flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora that will depart from Delhi’s Nizamuddin Railway Station and travel to multiple tourist and religious destinations in India over three weeks. The Pravasi Bharatiya Express will operate under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
~ Sudeepa Ghosh