Agencies, Gandhinagar, Jan 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the world was looking at India with “immense hope and optimism”, and he firmly believed the 25-million strong Indian diaspora was a big strength.
India can make a global impact by reaching out to them, Modi said here at the inauguration of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the world’s largest annual gathering of people of Indian origin.
Modi also said that he had fulfilled his promise to the diaspora of merging the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards.
“I can say with pride that what I have promised I have done,” he said on the merger of the two cards and granting of lifelong visas to the holders. His statement ignited loud cheers at the Mahatma Mandir convention venue.
He called upon the Indian diaspora to unite as a positive global force.
Modi recalled that exactly 100 years ago, a non-resident Indian, Mahatma Gandhi, returned to India to serve the people. Today, he said, he was welcoming NRIs from across the world as a non-resident Gujarati (NRG).
The event is being held in Gandhinagar to mark the centenary of the return to the country of India’s “sarva sreshtha pravasi Bharatiya” or foremost Indian diaspora member, Mahatma Gandhi, from South Africa. The event, which began on January 7, will conclude on January 9.
The prime minister said NRIs were present in more than 200 countries.
“India is global because of you,” he told the gathering. He said Indians had travelled in the past around the world in search of opportunities or to gain knowledge and exposure.
“Today, opportunities beckon you in India,” he said.
He said the world was looking at India with hope and optimism and times were changing quickly. India, he said, was rising with great strength.
The prime minister called upon NRIs to forge and take pride in a common identity and heritage, and to use this strength collectively.
Modi said he had met representatives of 50 countries since assuming office in May last year, and he could say with confidence that all nations today feel that their goals can be met in partnership with India.
This, he said, was a rare opportunity and it was now up to everyone to use this opportunity for India’s benefit.
He mentioned the support of 177 of the 193 nations to India’s resolution at the UN on declaring an International Day of Yoga.
He urged the diaspora to contribute to India’s success in any way possible.
Govt determined to work with the diaspora: Sushma
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, among others, shared the dias with the Indian Prime Minister.
Sushma Swaraj said the Indian diaspora is respected in the countries they live in for their discipline, work culture and contribution to that country’s economy.
She said the Modi government is determined to work closely with the diaspora and engage with them and said, “I promise it will be a rewarding partnership.”
The chief guest, Guyanese President Donald Ramotar, and South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, also shared the dias with Modi and Sushma Swaraj.
Tribute to Mahatma
Earlier, Modi inaugurated the Salt Mountain, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi built near the Mahatma Mandir complex. Later in the course of his speech Modi said that Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary was observed in Mauritius with greater vigour than even in India.
More than 4,000 delegates are taking part in the 13th PBD, aimed at enhancing networking and reinforcing commercial linkages. There are 25 million people of Indian origin residing outside India.
A PBD Kendra is coming up in New Delhi and would be inaugurated soon, he said.
Modi proposed an online quiz competition for the diaspora youth on the subject “Bharat Ko Jano” (Know India).