Bridging Worlds: The Power of the Indian Diaspora in Nation-Building and Cultural Preservation

The following is an excerpt/text of my address, as the Chief Speaker and Guest at Brahmapur University, to a large gathering of faculty and students on the occasion of the Prabasi Bharatiya Divas-2025.

It is both an honour and a deeply personal privilege to address you today on the occasion of the Indian Diaspora Day, or Prabasi Bharatiya Divas. This day is a celebration of the enduring connection between Bharat i.e. India and its global community. It is a moment to recognize not only the contributions of the Indian diaspora but also the unbreakable bond that ties us to our homeland, no matter where we may reside.

As someone who spent 30 years living and working in the United States, I have firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities that come with being an Indian abroad. While I was away from my birthland, my heart remained rooted in the rich soil of Odisha. My journey, like many others, has been shaped by the desire to bridge the worlds I live in—to take the best of what I learned abroad and bring it back to the land that gave me my foundation. Today, as the Vice Chancellor of NIST University, I have the privilege of contributing to India’s academic and intellectual growth in ways I could only have dreamed of years ago.

The Indian diaspora is often referred to as the "soft power" of our nation. Spanning over 30 million people in more than 200 countries, the diaspora represents India’s values, culture, and intellect. From Silicon Valley to Sydney, from Nairobi to London, Indians have excelled in every field imaginable—technology, medicine, business, arts, science, and public service. This success is not just the evidence of individual talent but also the ethos instilled by our heritage: an ethos of hard work, adaptability, and resilience.

I had the privilege of serving as the General Secretary of the Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA), and as the President of the Pacific Northwest Odia Society of the USA– these organizations bring together the Orissans and Odia aficionados in North America. This experience deepened my understanding of how diaspora communities sustain their culture and identity. Through these community organizations, we celebrated Odisha’s festivals, promoted its language and arts, and supported initiatives back home—from disaster relief to educational funding. These efforts exemplify the dual role of the diaspora: preserving our cultural heritage while actively engaging in nation-building.

NIST University, the institution I now lead, is itself a living example of what the diaspora can achieve. Established by a visionary non-resident Indian, NIST was the first NRI-founded institution in Odisha. It has since grown into a hub of innovation and learning, blending global perspectives with local aspirations. This is the power of diaspora contributions: the ability to fuse international expertise with the needs of our communities here in India.

As a young PhD student in the United States, I experienced firsthand the profound sense of responsibility that many in the diaspora feel toward their roots. While abroad, I had the opportunity to establish the Kalanhandi-Bolangir-Koraput initiative (KBKI) and later the Sustainable Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS) in 1993. This organization was born out of a simple yet powerful vision: to empower the least privileged, especially in Odisha through initiatives that blend education, empowerment, and sustainability.

SEEDS has since grown into a platform for impactful change. Whether it is supporting critical thinking and education for underprivileged youngsters, advancing women’s empowerment through skill and leadership development, fostering nano-finance for rural entrepreneurs, promoting eco-friendly technologies, or preserving our cultural and architectural heritage, SEEDS has demonstrated the power of grassroots engagement. This journey has taught me that even small, sustained efforts from the diaspora can create ripples of transformation. For instance, one of SEEDS' eco-friendly technology projects provided appropriate, sustainable solutions for energy and water needs in rural Odisha. SEEDS volunteers ran the Rural Math Talent Search which was later adopted and expanded by the state government as Pathani Samanta Ganita Medha Bruti Parikhsya. Another instance is that near Chilika Lake in a tribal-rural art & craft museum called Purvasha or Odi-Art Museum which is an outcome of collaboration between the SEEDS friends and the on-the-ground servant-leaders in India. The first Odisha e-Library at the old town hall in Brahmapur is yet another bright example. I encourage the youngsters to visit both sites!

These personal experiences reflect the broader potential of the diaspora to bridge worlds. Initiatives like SEEDS and OSA are not just about giving back; they are about co-creating a future where the best of global innovation and altruism meet the specific needs of our communities here in Odisha. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, we can say: "The greatness of a nation lies not in its wealth but in the dedication and wisdom of its people—no matter where they are."

Thus, this day is a reminder that the diaspora is more than a collective of individuals scattered across the globe; it is a force for change, a reservoir of ideas, and a network of people deeply connected to their homeland. I encourage all of you, especially those who are part of the diaspora, to think about how you can channel your talents and resources into initiatives that benefit Odisha and India at large.

On this Indian Diaspora Day, we must also look forward. The role of the diaspora is evolving. In today’s interconnected world, the diaspora’s contributions extend beyond remittances and philanthropy. They are ambassadors of Indian culture, proponents of global collaboration, and champions of innovation. They are uniquely positioned to act as bridges—bringing cutting-edge technologies, progressive ideas, and new opportunities back to India.

As an academic leader, I am particularly passionate about the role of education in this exchange. I urge the diaspora to consider how they can contribute to India’s educational ecosystem. Whether through funding research, mentoring students, or fostering international collaborations, your involvement can have a transformative impact. At NIST University, for instance, we have launched initiatives that connect our students with global experts—many of whom are part of the diaspora—enabling them to gain exposure to international standards and practices.

The Government of India has recognized the diaspora’s potential, as seen in programs like the Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark (PRABHASS) and the Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA). PRABHASS is a national digital portal initiated by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with major Science Ministries and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. It aims to engage the global Indian Science and Technology (S&T) community to address societal challenges in India. The platform facilitates networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among Indian and diaspora S&T experts. These initiatives aim to harness the expertise of the diaspora for India’s development. But there is more to be done. We need to create seamless pathways for diaspora professionals to engage with Indian institutions, from academia to industry to governance.

For those of you who have roots in Odisha and are listening to me from far away, I invite you to reflect on how you can contribute to its growth—be it through supporting education, healthcare, or cultural preservation. Odisha, with its rich heritage and untapped diasporic potential, is a land ready for impactful contributions.

In conclusion, the story of the Indian diaspora is a story of possibility. It is a story of how one’s roots and wings can coexist. As someone who has walked this path—from Odisha to the United States and back—I can attest to the immense fulfillment that comes from giving back to the land that shaped you. Together, let us celebrate this unique bond, and let us strive to strengthen it for generations to come.

"Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The world is one family).

Bande Utkala Janani; Jai Hind!