Seeking deeper engagement of the Indian diaspora for the country's growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said a whole lot of possibilities are awaiting them in India as it has risen with new strength. In his address at the 13th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in Gandhi Nagar, he said the whole world is looking at India with great expectations and what is needed is confidence and capability.
Describing Indian diaspora as great capital for the country, the Prime Minister appealed to the community of over 25 million people living in over 200 countries to help transform the nation. Mr Modi said, he is convinced that people of Indian origin are our capital and strength and if the government focuses on this segment, they can create a lot of respect for the country globally.
Making it clear that it is not only the Pound Sterling and the Dollars that the government is interested in, Mr Modi asked the diaspora to help in transforming India. He said, those who want to work, there is a lot you can do. Referring to merging of the PIO and OCI cards through a recent Ordinance and extending visa on arrival facilities for several countries, Modi said his government has fulfilled the promises made to them.
The Prime Minister said that lot many possibilities are awaiting Indian diaspora as time is changing rapidly and India has risen with new strength.
Invoking Gandhi, Mr Modi said his philosophies and teachings continue to inspire the world when it comes to humane development and resolving various problems facing the world.
Exhorting the diaspora to participate in the Clean Ganga initiative, he said the exercise is not only important from religious and environmental perspectives but also key to economic development of 40 per cent of India's population.
Mr Modi said after becoming Prime Minister he had the opportunity to meet over 50 Heads of State and all wanted greater engagement with India. Modi said the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas has great significance and it should not be measured in terms of investment only as he referred to the emotional bond between India and its diaspora.Talking about issues relating to Overseas Indians, he said a mechanism for travel authorisation through electronic means have been put in place to ease travel to India by the diaspora community.
Mr Modi said the rule requiring PIO card holders to visit the local police station for verification every week has been done away with. President of Guyana Donald R Ramotar, South Africa's International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and IT and Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel were among those present at the event.
Minister of overseas Indian and External affairs, Sushma Swaraj said that 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 that Narendra Modi government is determined to work closely with the diaspora and engage with them for rewarding partnership. Gujarat Chief Minster Mrs. Anandiben Patel also hailed Indian diaspora for their contribution in the development of country. The chief guest of the inaugural session, Guyanese President Donald Ramotar and South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane have also spoke on the occasion and reiterate their strong bonding with India. AIR correspondent reports that more than 4 thousand delegates are participating in 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which focuses on enhancing networking and reinforcing commercial linkages.
