Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Diaspora awards, renewed optimism
Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cognizant, emphasised the significance of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and highlighting the achievements of the Indian diaspora, he described it as both a recognition of their accomplishments and a call to stay connected to their roots.
Kumar also underlined the important role the diaspora can play in India's journey towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, creating a bridge between India and the world while contributing to the country's economic and geopolitical growth.
While speaking with ANI, Kumar said, "The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, which is given by the Government of India to Non Resident Indians is a big honour for Indians living abroad. This year, there are around 27 awardees and they come from a diverse set of fields -- technology, business, art, culture and a variety of professions. It is a call for all the awardees to stay connected to the roots."
He added, "Indians abroad have been very accomplished and have done significantly well. So, it's a unique opportunity for Indians abroad to contribute to the growth story of India. In the last 10-15 years, India's role in the global stage, both economically and geo-politically has been very strong."
He further said that these awards in some ways are motivation for all the 35 million Indians living abroad to "make a difference in the country, make a difference to the world, make a difference to the country where they live today."
Born in Odisha, Ravi Kumar was appointed CEO of Cognizant in January 2023. Prior to Cognizant, Ravi served as President of Infosys from 2016 to 2022. The early part of his career was spent as a nuclear scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center of India.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday highlighted the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in shaping global perceptions of India and asserted that the world looks at India with "renewed sense of optimism."
Speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas plenary session on 'Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection, and Belongingness,' Shekhawat said, "A nation's greatness lies in its ability to connect with its diaspora. As stated by Gandhi ji, the strength of a nation is not just in its resources or geography, but in its ability to maintain relationships with its people, no matter where they are in the world. This idea resonates throughout the cultural and economic ties that bind India and its diaspora."
Shekhawat also praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora across the world in diverse fields. "In European research institutions, our scientists are breaking new ground in quantum computing and climate solutions. Indian-owned businesses in the UK alone generate over 100,000 jobs. Similar success stories emerge from across the globe," Shekhawat said.
Speaking about India's soft power, the minister said, "India is a land of unparalleled diversity. Our soft power rooted in yoga, ayurveda, cuisine and art has generated global admiration. Our culinary heritage has undergone a remarkable transformation while maintaining its authentic roots. My heart fills with pride when I see Diwali celebrations at Times Square and Holi colours at Trafalgar Square. I see India's soft power touching hearts across continents."
Shekhawat also extended an invitation to the Indian diaspora in the upcoming festival of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Government of India that provides an important platform to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora and enable them to interact with each other. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organized in partnership with the State Government of Odisha from January 8 to 10 in Bhubaneswar.
The theme of 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 participate in the PBD Convention. (ANI)