News
www.indiaweekly.biz • October 2025
06
THE Indian Consulate, in col
laboration with the Global Indi
an Diaspora Foundation, recent
ly celebrated India’s vision for
2047 as part of the global initia
tive “Viksit Bharat @ 2047”.
This event, held during the
Seva Pakhwada/Seva Parv from
September 17 to October 2,
highlighted India’s develop
mental goals for its centenary
of independence while empha
sizing the Indian diaspora’s
crucial role in achieving them.
The celebration showcased
how Non-Resident Indians
(NRIs) and Persons of Indian
Origin (PIOs) contribute to In
dia’s progress through econom
ic investments, cultural influ
ence, technological innovation,
and political engagement.
India’s engagement with its
global diaspora has evolved in
to a strategic partnership. With
over 32 million members
worldwide, the diaspora plays
a vital role in the nation’s eco
nomic, social, and cultural de
velopment. Historically, Indian
migration began during the co
lonial era, with indentured la
borers moving to regions such
as Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa,
and the Caribbean. Post-inde
pendence, India initially main
tained a cautious approach to
ward its diaspora, but econom
ic liberalization in the 1990s
marked a proactive outreach.
Institutions such as the Minis
try of Overseas Indian Affairs
(MOIA) in 2004 and the Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in 2003
further strengthened engage
ment, fostering mutually bene
ficial partnerships.
Current programs encourage
deeper diaspora involvement.
The annual PBD celebrates di
aspora contributions and pro
motes dialogue on India’s de
velopment goals. The Overseas
Citizenship of India (OCI) card
ensures lifelong connections,
while Pre-Departure Orienta
tion Training (PDOT) under
the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yoja
na prepares Indian workers for
overseas employment. En
hanced consular services safe
guard the welfare of Indian cit
izens abroad, particularly in
the Gulf region.
The diaspora’s impact is
substantial. Remittances
reached $125 billion in 2023,
supporting household incomes
and foreign exchange reserves.
Diaspora professionals also
drive technological innovation,
while philanthropic initiatives
bolster education, healthcare,
and rural development in In
dia. Furthermore, Indian-origin
leaders like Rishi Sunak and
Kamala Harris exemplify the
diaspora’s soft power and glob
al influence.
Looking ahead, diaspora
contributions will be critical in
realizing a Viksit Bharat. In
vestments in infrastructure,
startups, and renewable ener
gy, coupled with knowledge
transfer, research collabora
tion, and global advocacy, can
propel India’s economic
growth and global standing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
emphasized, “The world is
seeing India with a ray of hope
and our diaspora can play a
crucial role in further spread
ing it.” External Affairs Minis
ter S. Jaishankar added that
the diaspora is “not just a
bridge to the world but a vital
part of India’s growth story.”
Through sustained engage
ment, the Indian diaspora will
remain an indispensable part
ner in achieving prosperity, in
novation, and cultural promi
nence by 2047.
THE Consulate General of India in New York
marked the 10th Ayurveda Day with an engaging
panel discussion that highlighted the ancient In
dian system’s deep connection between nutrition,
holistic health, and mental well-being. The event,
held on September 28, 2025, brought together ex
perts, practitioners, and enthusiasts who ex
plored Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom and its grow
ing global relevance.
The theme for Ayurveda Day 2025, observed annu
ally on September 23, was “Ayurveda for People &
Planet.” It emphasized that Ayurveda is not merely a
healthcare practice but a way of life that promotes
harmony between humans and the environment. The
discussion focused on how Ayurvedic principles can
address modern health challenges while fostering sus
tainability and balance with nature.
Consul General Binaya Pradhan, in his address, un
derscored the increasing recognition of Ayurveda in
the United States. He noted that more Americans are
embracing Ayurveda’s holistic approach to wellness,
nutrition, and mental peace. Pradhan also highlighted
India’s ongoing efforts to promote Ayurveda as a scien
tific, evidence-based system of traditional medicine
that complements modern healthcare.
The panel discussion delved into the central role of
food and nutrition in maintaining overall health. Ex
perts explained how Ayurveda views food as medicine
and promotes mindful eating based on individual body
types, or doshas. They discussed the importance of
balance — between taste, digestion, and seasonal diet
— as a way to prevent diseases and promote longevity.
The speakers also examined the scientific foundations
of Ayurveda, pointing out recent research that sup
ports its age-old principles.
The Consulate General announced the official
launch of ‘Nutrition 360’, a flagship initiative that aims
to promote mindful and evidence-based nutrition
among diverse communities in the United States. The
initiative will offer educational programs, collabora
tions with local wellness centers, and digital awareness
campaigns to help people make healthier food choices
inspired by Ayurvedic science.
The event drew participation from members of the
Indian diaspora, health professionals, students, and
friends of India who share an interest in traditional
medicine and wellness practices. Attendees appreci
ated how Ayurveda continues to offer practical, adapt
able solutions for modern-day health issues such as
stress, poor diet, and lifestyle-related disorders.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twit
ter), the Consulate said, “Ayurveda’s time-tested princi
ples guide balanced nutrition, holistic health, and men
tal well-being.” The post reflected the mission’s com
mitment to promoting India’s traditional knowledge
systems on global platforms and fostering dialogue be
tween ancient wisdom and contemporary science.
Ayurveda Day celebrations worldwide are part of
India’s broader efforts to integrate traditional health
systems into global wellness discourse. As Ayurveda
gains popularity across the U.S., events like the one
hosted in New York reaffirm the country’s role as a
custodian of holistic health traditions that continue to
inspire people around the world.
New York marks 10th Ayurveda Day
Diaspora key to India’s 2047 vision
NATURE’S CURE: Experts
discuss Ayurveda’s role in
holistic health and nutrition
© X/@IndiainNewYork
COLLECTIVE GROWTH:
Viksit Bharat Run
organized in Palatine
© X/@Indi_Global
PANEL EXPLORES ANCIENT SYSTEM’S ROLE IN PROMOTING HOLISTIC HEALTH