Bhubaneswar: A panel of experts convened in the city on Thursday to discuss international migration and the contributions of Odia migrants during a session titled ‘Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills’.
Union minister of state for labour and micro, small and medium enterprises, Shobha Karandlaje, highlighted the vibrancy of the Indian diaspora in various countries. “I receive responses from leaders across the globe urging India to send skilled labourers. With a more trained and professional workforce, we can break barriers,” she said, adding that steps are being taken to monitor fake companies offering overseas assignments.
Former minister of state for external affairs, V Muraleedharan, said that migration itself is not problematic. “The govt is in favour of migration, but safe and orderly migration is essential,” he said.
Kandarp Mehta, a senior lecturer in Spain specialising in negotiation and entrepreneurship, praised the unique qualities of Indians. “We are calculative dreamers and unparalleled doers. The Indian diaspora doesn’t just build bridges; they become bridges, fostering cultural exchange and integration,” Mehta noted.