'Chalta Hai' To 'Hoga Kaise Nahi': Jaishankar Quotes P V Sindhu On PM Modi, Highlights Role Of Youth And Indian Diaspora

At the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Bhubaneswar, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the significant role of India's younger generation in driving global progress.

Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s connection with the youth, Jaishankar shared a memory of Indian badminton player PV Sindhu, who had commented on why PM Modi is considered a youth icon.

He recalled her saying, "I still recall some time ago an observation by a famous Indian badminton player PV Sindhu on why PM Modi is a youth icon. She summed it up as his attitude which moved the nation from 'chalta hai' to 'badal sakta hai' to 'hoga kaise nahi.'"

Jaishankar further emphasised that younger generations are instrumental in shaping major global developments, from AI innovations to electric vehicles (EVs), startups, and even sports like cricket and chess.

He said, "At a time when so many key developments in the world are being shaped by the younger generations - whether we talk of AI or EV, innovation or startups, cricket, chess or any sports - at home we have just started our journey of Viksit Bharat in the Amrit Kaal... While development itself is a very complex task - but it becomes easier when we are confident that nothing is beyond us."

Jaishankar also encouraged the Indian diaspora to promote India as a tourist destination. He stated, "We also regularly welcome the visits of PIO journalists to India. Let me take the opportunity to urge you on behalf of Prime Minister Modi to promote India as a tourism destination. If young Indian PIOs bring their equally young friends from abroad to explore this uniquely rich and diverse heritage and culture, this will surely become a lifelong habit for them."

On a personal note, Jaishankar explained the decision to break tradition in choosing the guest of honour for the event. "Normally we pick somebody from the political world for that position (guest of honour). On this occasion we have made a departure - I think a very understandable and a very justifiable departure of picking someone from the world of media, from the world of business," he said. He added, "Because young Indians today are succeeding in so many domains and it's important that we recognise that..."

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, running from 8 to 10 January in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a major event celebrating the Indian diaspora. The theme of this year’s convention is "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat." Over 50 countries are represented, and PM Modi will inaugurate the event on 9 January.