In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Overseas Community members ( Indian diaspora) in several countries came together for ensuring critical medical supplies, helping stranded students, caring for the elderly, raising funds and providing meals to the vulnerable, said President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday. President Kovind was delivering the valedictory keynote address of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention, 2021.

India has one of the largest diaspora populations of nearly 30 million, residing in every corner of the world today. It has been aptly said that 'the sun never sets on the Indian diaspora', he added.

"India has been at the forefront in forging a global response to combat the enormous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We supplied medicines to nearly 150 countries, making the world look at India as the 'pharmacy of the world'," the President said.

 "The COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe travel disruptions. I appreciate the role played by the Ministry of External Affairs and our missions abroad for reaching out to the diaspora by facilitating their travel in these difficult times," President Kovind added.

"I convey my heartiest congratulations to all the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees. I appreciate their efforts to promote a better understanding of India abroad, contribute to social and humanitarian causes, and build closer links between India and their adopted countries," said Kovind.

The President of India further said the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is also an occasion to recall Gandhiji's ideals for individual and collective life. "We are indebted to Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji whose vision re-energized the links with our diaspora. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations started in 2003 when he was the Prime Minister of India," said Kovind.

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