In the first plenary session of the last day of the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Sammelan, a discussion on the topic ‘Role of Indian Diaspora for Enabling Global Mobility of Indian Work Force’ was held under the chairmanship of Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Minister Pradhan said that India is continuously becoming skilled and efficient. India has the largest young skilled workforce in the world. About 3.2 million Indian youths are working in different countries of the world. In the past Indians were seen as workers abroad, currently the same community has transformed into a skilled workforce. The world is watching that Indians are working on senior positions in the world's top IT companies. Union Minister Pradhan said that Indian products are known for better quality and cheaper prices as compared to other countries.

Pradhan said that Indians are at the forefront of working in tandem with the global value chain and the largest number of Indians are engaged in the manufacture of consumer goods in the world. The main reason for this is their efficiency, honesty and dedication towards work. He said that the National Education Policy is being taken forward in a better way in India. Approximately 200 million students are pursuing research and post graduate education in our country. India is continuously becoming skilled, which will work for a better tomorrow for the whole world based on the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Union Minister Pradhan said that technology has become an integral part of our lives. Economic, social, cultural changes are taking place due to technology. He said that India is developing rapidly. He said that Swadeshi 5G has started in India. India used to import grains of the lowest quality from America earlier. Today it exports food grains to 40 countries and the entire world has witnessed and accepted that India provided medicines and vaccines to many countries to protect humanity during the global pandemic. He said that India will work according to the global requirements by boosting its capability. NRIs can play an important role in this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep faith in the overseas Indians and considered every overseas Indian as a national ambassador of India.

Speaking at the plenary session on the last day of the three-day PBD conference, the Mauritius Minister for Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Fazila Jeewa Daureeawoo, said that the Indian workforce is a significant contributor to the Mauritian economy. 70% of Mauritian citizens have their roots in India, making India their second home. A large delegation from Mauritius has participated in the PBD conference. She said that the way India is developing is amazing. Migrants have to move forward with a number of integrated objectives. This convention is a good opportunity, where NRIs got a chance to come together and express their suggestions and ideas. Jeewa said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mauritius got a big relief from the vaccine received from India.

The CMD of Lulu Group M A Yusuf Ali said that our body, mind and wealth are for India. India is progressing day-by-day under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that by March, India will be the most populous country. India has maximum youths and it is a matter of pride. Ali said that the role of NRIs would be crucial in providing employment to the youths. Hundreds of Indians are contributing towards financial stability in the Gulf countries. He said that in the state of Kerala, an NRI committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. Other states should also help in providing international platforms to Indian youths with the help of Ministry of External Affairs by forming such committees.