PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, thanks NRIs for supporting note ban

"Whether knowledge, time or money, we welcome your contributions that strengthen India’s partnership with overseas community," says Modi, concluding his speech

A special welcome to the young Pravasis – I hope that on returning to your respective countries, you will remain connected with us: PM

PM: A special welcome to the young Pravasis – I hope that on returning to your respective countries, you will remain connected with us pic.twitter.com/QeESshH9qm

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

On Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra:

We want it to become a symbol of global migration, achievements & aspirations of the Diaspora: PM Modi

PM Modi speaks of how overseas Indians in the scientific field can share their knowledge and expertise through programmes like VAJRA schemes

PM speaks of how overseas Indians in the scientific field can share their knowledge and expertise through programmes like VAJRA schemes pic.twitter.com/slIa8rnZcF

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

From 1st of January this year, beginning with Delhi and Bengaluru, we have set up special counters at immig'n points for OCI cardholders: PM Modi

We remain committed to addressing similar difficulties of PIOs in Fiji, Reunion Islands, Suriname, Guyana and other Caribbean States. We have extended the deadline for PIO card conversions to OCI from 31 December 2016, until June 30, 2017 without any penalty: PM Modi

I would again encourage all PIO Card holders to convert their PIO Cards to OCI Cards: PM Narendra Modi

For those workers who seek economic opportunities abroad, our effort is to provide maximum facilitation and ensure least inconvenience: PM

We remain committed to addressing similar difficulties of PIOs in Fiji, Reunion Islands, Suriname, Guyana and other Caribbean States, says PM Modi

Starting with Mauritius, we are working to put in place procedures so that descendants of Girmitiyas could become eligible for OCI Cards: PM Narendra Modi

PM: Starting w/ Mauritius, we are working to put in place procedures so that descendants of Girmitiyas could become eligible for OCI Cards pic.twitter.com/wGng9BjFj9

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

We will shortly launch a skill development program - the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana - targeted at Indian youth seeking overseas employment: PM Modi 

PM: We will shortly launch a skill devt program - the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana - targeted at Indian youth seeking overseas employment pic.twitter.com/4VJbL4CWE2

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

Our External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj ji has particularly been proactive and prompt in reaching out to distressed Indians abroad using social media: PM

PM Modi speaks of the various measures to ensure welfare and safety of Indians abroad, from admin measures to evacuations.

PM @narendramodi: NRIs and PIOs have made outstanding contributions to their chosen fields. pic.twitter.com/QL2iLn2l5B

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

The remittance of close to sixty nine billion dollars annually by the overseas Indians makes an invaluable contribution to the economy: PM Modi

PM welcomes the special guests: Their achievements, the name they have earned in their own societies and globally, are a great inspiration pic.twitter.com/hBREwFcP7J

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

PM @narendramodi: आप का इस पर्व में सम्मिलित होना हमारे लिए बहुत गर्व की बात है|
आप सब का तहे दिल से स्वागत है |

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

For my govt and for me personally engagement with overseas Indian community has been a priority: PM Modi

The Indian diaspora represents the best of Indian culture, ethos and values: PM Modi in Bengaluru

30 million Indians abroad are valued not just for strength in numbers but respected for contributions to India and countries where they live: PM Modi

Indians abroad are valued not just for their strength in numbers. They are respected for the contributions they make: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins address, condoles death of Mario Soares, architect of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations btw India and Portugal

PM begins address, condoles death of Mario Soares, architect of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations btw India and Portugal #PBD2017 pic.twitter.com/IpMGiULJEh

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

Union Minister Ananth Kumar delivers the welcome address at PBD in Bengaluru

@AnanthKumar_BJP at #PBD2017 - India succeeds because the world wants India to succeed. pic.twitter.com/3DRFJGxZYQ

— PBD2017 (@PBDConvention) January 8, 2017

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addresses the gathering, says "We express hope that 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will redefine engagement with the Indian Diaspora."

CM Siddarammiah: expresses hope that #PBD2017 will redefine engagement with the Indian Diaspora @CMofKarnataka pic.twitter.com/uV0VZQBVpQ

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

"Recent issues are being viewed very seriously and the government will take these culprits to book. Effective steps are being taken to increase the rate of conviction," says Siddaramaiah in the wake of the Bengaluru mass molestation case. "Government will bring culprits to book," says the Karnataka CM.

Portugal an attractive invest destination, can play an important role in the flow of goods to European and American markets: PM Antonio Costa

Very proud to be invited to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017, an event in which India respects its citizen living abroad: Antonio Costa

Chief Guest Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa thanks delegates for the homage to Mario Soares, former PM of Portugal and icon of democracy and speaks about the important role played by the overseas community and reminisced about his Goan roots.

PM Narendra Modi arrives to a roaring welcome at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 

And PM @narendramodi, PM @antoniocostapm, VP Adhin and other dignitaries arrived on the dais to a warm greeting from the delegates pic.twitter.com/2O4A8n2d6B

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

Beginning the traditional way. Dignitaries light the lamp at #PBD2017 as PM @narendramodi is set to arrive at the plenary hall shortly pic.twitter.com/f5D7fjcOUC

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

The morning diaspora rush! Delegates fill up Bangalore Int'l Exhibition Centre hall before the start of 14th #PBD2017 inaugural session pic.twitter.com/RzOJI5wngV

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Bengaluru for the inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Bengaluru for the inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. pic.twitter.com/ZFuqvvxt81

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 7, 2017