Prime Minister Narendra Modi's love for Indians abroad is no secret. The leader has always made sure he visits his “family” on every foreign trip he undertakes and uses every reason to shower generous praises on them. Inaugurating the first Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in the National Capital on Tuesday (January 9), Modi welcomed participants and delegates at the inaugural session and said, “From every corner of the world, we are seeing participants in India.”
The conference saw at least 124 Members of the Parliament and 17 Mayors from 23 countries in attendance. Modi hailed their achievements, saying that Indians integrate themselves fully into the country they work in, they make it their home and keep alive Bharatiya values while occupying positions of significance that bring pride to the nation on the global platform. Reminding the participants that the event is aimed at reconnecting them with their ancestral land and spirit, he said, “Your ancestors had to leave India under various circumstances and that is why when you return to an Indian airport, you are reminded of your ties with this country. You have a desire to return to India and I understand your feelings very well.” He added, “No matter where they are, I can imagine how happy your ancestors must be on seeing you all here.”
In fatherly satisfaction, he said there is a feeling of pride when news about how Indians are influencing geo-politics where they live and how they affect policies of the countries they call home.
Reform to Transform
“In the last three to four years, you must have noticed, countries around the world have taken notice of India. India is transforming, India is moving ahead. Today, bodies like the World Bank, the IMF, and Moody's are looking at India in a positive way,” he said. “Reform to transform” was the guiding principle of the government. Keeping in mind the needs of the 21st century, the government is increasing investment in technology and transportation. “Highways, railways, I-ways, ports- all are connected and interconnected. We have made a number of areas a priority. New rail lines are launched on priority, more roads and their development is on track, cargo handling growth, which was negative, is now positive,” NaMo said.
Highlighting numerous developments made in the country in the last three years, Modi said 30 million new entrepreneurs have been added. Also, investments have been made in abundance in sectors like construction, air transport, mining, computer software, hardware, electrical equipment and others. He also pointed out the country's quick response to disaster-struck neighbours, like the earthquake in Nepal, floods in Sri Lanka and the water problems in Maldives. “India's humanity even in grave situations like these, is a part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” Modi said.
Pravasi Bharatiyas are partners in growth
Catalysts for the country's development and the ones who take India to greater heights on the global platforms, Modi's best-loved Pravasi Bharatiyas walk shoulder to shoulder as the country makes a deserved place for itself in the world. Modi brought Mahatma Gandhi's teachings into the light and said they have become more relevant in today's world of radicalisation. “India's inclusive philosophy sends a powerful message to the world. We do not intend to exploit anyone's resources, nor we are eyeing anyone's territory, our focus has always been on capacity building and resource development,” Modi said.
Modi's mini parliament
In a special acknowledgement of former Guyanese president Bharat Jagdeo, the PM said there are several people of Indian-origin who have become leaders of their countries. “We have a mini world parliament in front of us today. For enhancing our pride and dignity, you all deserve our appreciation.”
Priti Patel: Potential to utilise our people to people links is enormous
Priti Patel, the UK MP, who led a delegation to the Indian Origins Parliamentarians to India to meet Modi, addressed the PM and the audience, calling it a honour to represent the United Kingdom. Referring to Modis' visit to the British Parliament back in 2015, Patel said, “You said there that, so much of the modern history of India is linked to our Parliament and Parliamentary traditions. That many freedom fighters of India found their calling in the institutions of Britain and that many makers of modern India came through our Parliament. The political struggle of Gandhiji will never be forgotten and still resonates with the new generation of politicians in the UK.”
She added, “It is a matter of great pride that the UK is home to such a talented and ambitious Indian diaspora, over 1.5 million people. It is a privilege for us to represent them not just in our parliamentary and political capacity, but also to champion their achievements nationally and internationally too. The contribution that British Indians have made to the United Kingdom, is remarkable, covering all walks of life and that also applies to our Parliamentarians from all political parties and backgrounds, whose belief in family, in community, in enterprise and belief in serving others is self-evident.”
“Our PIO Parliamentarians, offer Leadership to our community & continue to encourage a new generation to aspire to new highs & positions across British society which only a generation ago were considered to be a dream.”
International Conference of PIO Parliamentarians
In a boost to Modi's encouragement of more involvement between the country and people of Indian-origins, the Antar-Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad (ARSP) and People of Indian Origin Chamber of Commerce and Industry have organised an International Conference of PIO Parliamentarians in New Delhi on January 10. Over one hundred Parliamentarians of Indian origin from various countries are expected to participate in the conference. The event will be inaugurated by the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, with Home Minister Rajnath Singh to be the Guest of Honour. Other ministers to attend the event are Dharmendra Pradhan, Piyush Goyal, Santosh Gangwar, and others.
