Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Seeking deeper engagement of the Indian diaspora for the country’s growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told non-resident Indians that a whole lot of possibilities await them in India as it has “risen” with new strength. Inaugurating the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Jan. 8, Modi urged the diaspora to come and contribute to the country’s success in any way possible – knowledge, expertise or skills.
Nearly 4,000 delegates from 44 countries attended the three-day event held at the Mahatma Mandir which included a youth session, various seminars and panels, an exhibition and cultural programs. The event marked the centenary of the return of the country’s “sarva sreshtha pravasi Bharatiya” or foremost Indian diaspora member – Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa.
Promises fulfilled
Modi reminded the global audience that the promises he had made to them have been fulfilled in “double-quick time.” While People of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards have been merged as promised by him in September during his U.S. visit, the facility of electronic travel authorization has also been introduced, leading to visas on arrival for citizens from 43 countries so far, he said. In addition, the Pravasi Bharatiya Center will be operational in Delhi soon.
A Driving Rorce
Equating the NRIs to “shakti,” Modi said that if the strength of the entire diaspora can be consolidated, it could become a driving force for India’s progress. He mentioned in particular, the Namaami Gange project to clean the Ganga, and said 40 percent of India lived by and survived on the river.
He told the audience that the world is ready to “embrace India” and cited as an example the fact that his proposal at the U.N. to institute an international yoga day was supported by a record 177 nations and in just 100 days. “We have a lot to give to the world, we only lack the confidence,” he said, calling upon NRIs across the world to forge and take pride in a common identity and heritage, and to use this strength collectively.
Restore Past Glory
Addressing the global audience, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the government is determined to work closely with its huge diaspora to “leverage each other’s strengths for mutual benefit,” and urged professionals from the diaspora to join in efforts to develop India and “restore it to its past glory.” A successful, prosperous and politically influential diaspora is an asset to India, much as a strong and self-reliant India would be a source of strength and inspiration for the diaspora, she noted. “This synergy acts as a vibrant bridge between us and sustains our relationship,” she told the attendees.
Active Role on the Global Stage
Guyanese President Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar, chief guest at the event, urged India to play a more active role on the global stage and be the voice of the developing world. South African Foreign Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said she was happy to join in the celebrations of the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa. She described India as her second home having spent six years as a high commissioner here.
Meeting Ramotar on the sidelines of the PBD, Modi said India would set up its first IT Center of Excellence on the South American continent in his country. During his meeting with Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius, Showkatally Soodhun, Modi congratulated the Mauritius Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth on his recent election victory and renewed an invitation to him to visit India. Both sides expressed keenness to enhance cooperation in infrastructure projects and matters related to ocean economy.
Vast Pool of Natural Resources
Chairing a session on’ Investment Opportunities in Indian States’ Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Jan. 9 that the Modi government is working tirelessly to remove bottlenecks and cut red tape in order to improve the business environment in India. The country is “moving towards an era of cooperative federalism, giving voice to states in shaping the economic destiny of the nation,” he said.
India “has a vast pool of natural resources and skilled human resources” to make this country a “new manufacturing hub,” he noted.
The people of Indian origin and the NRIs should invest in actualizing the dream of ‘Make in India’, Singh said, adding that initiative is a “mission to transform this country from an importer of manufactured items to an exporter of manufactured products.
“The objective is to increase the share of manufacturing in the GDP from the current level of 14 percent to 25 percent,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh, publisher of News India Times and recipient of India’s Padma Shri award and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, who attended the PBD, said the event is “a great beginning to take India to the next level.”
Noting that the prime minister is “banking on NRIs,” Parikh said Modi instills a lot of hope in us. The diaspora is ready for a “long-term” relationship with India, he added.
Chief ministers of states like Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Haryana and Jharkhand spoke as part of the seminar.
Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa emphasized on the role of digitalization in the respective states’ governance.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
Microsoft CEO Satyanarayan Nadella, Dr. Kamlesh Lulla, chief scientist for Earth observation in the Human Exploration Science Office at the Johnson Space Center at NASA, and a veteran Silicon Valley-based investor in life sciences and health care, are among the15 recipients of the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman award for their contribution in various fields. The awards were presented by Vice President Hamid Ansari at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar Jan. 9. Lisa Singh from Australia, who could not receive the award last year, received it this year.
Other recipients include:
Guyanese President Donald Rabindernauth Ramaotar
Mala Mehta (Australia)
Kamaljeet Bakshi (New Zealand)
Ashraf Palarakunnummal and Bharatkumar Jayantilal Shah (UAE)
Essop Esoop Goolam (South Africa)
Rajmal M. Parakh (Oman)
Justice Doraikannu Karunakaran (Seychelles)
Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram (Mexico)
Lord Raj Loomba and Nathu Ram Puri (U.K.)
Mahendra Nanji Mehta (Uganda)