On Tuesday 9th January 2018, several MPs and Lords from the UK – including Lord Popat, Priti Patel MP and Lord Raj Loomba - joined Parliamentarians from around the world for the inaugural Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) conference in New Delhi. The prestigious event celebrated the annual Pravasi Bhartiya initiative - ‘day of the diaspora’ - which historically honours the contribution made by men and women of Indian heritage towards their homeland.
The conference was officially opened by Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj MP, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote speech. Other speakers included Shashi Tharoor MP and Priti Patel MP, who spoke on behalf of the UK delegation.
The event was attended by some 120 parliamentarians of Indian origin (out of a total of 135 globally) - including many third-generation Indians - from such diverse countries as the UK, USA, Guyana, South Africa, Portugal, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The UK delegation included Lord Popat, Priti Patel MP, Lord Dholakia, Baroness Verma, Baroness Prashar, Lord Patel, Keith Vaz MP, Virendra Sharma MP and Mayor of Brent, Councillor Chauhan.
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas has grown tremendously to be one of India’s heritages. The event is marked on 9th January every year – the date of the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in 1915 to lead the freedom march of the nation. Since its inception in 2003, PBD is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year but this is the first time a Parliamentary conference has been held to formally celebrate PBD, and focus on the achievements of PIO Parliamentarians far and wide.
The conference also signifies Prime Minister Modi’s new diplomatic strategy, which places fresh importance on the positive role of the diaspora in India. This is a significant step. India has in the past referred to its diaspora as NRIs – “not required Indians”. But as Shashi Tharoor eloquently stated, NRIs are in fact the “natural resource of India” whose collective potential should be channelled for the good of all Indians.
There are over 31 million people of Indian origin living outside of India, across 102 countries. Their presence is robust and far-reaching, as is their impressive record in contributing to many aspects of political, intellectual and cultural life in the countries they call home. Recognising these achievements, Mr Modi aims through a variety of initiatives to strengthen ties with the diaspora, deepen mutual understanding and build a strong future for the community as a whole.
In his welcome message, Prime Minister Modi said: “India is among the select few countries in the world that has an extensive series of programmes aimed at the diaspora. I am confident this historic event will provide a unique platform for mutual collaboration between India, PIO Parliamentarians and help strengthen the engagement of India and her diaspora.”
Praising the successful integration of Indians in their home countries and the unshakable bond that exists amongst Indians around the world, Prime Minister Modi said: “India may not be your home, but it will always be your mother country”.
Priti Patel MP, who spoke on behalf of the UK delegation, said: “The achievements of the Indian diaspora all over the world have been transformational. It is a matter of great pride that the UK is home to such a talented and ambitious diaspora of 1.5 million people. As PIO parliamentarians, we want to bring our experience to set a new agenda, strengthen our bonds to create a bright and prosperous future.”
Speaking after the event, Lord Popat said:
“It was truly an honour to participate in this wonderful event which highlights the positive impact persons of Indian origin continue to make in India. The conference provided PIO Parliamentarians with a valuable opportunity to share our journeys, to learn from each other and lay the foundation for greater understanding and friendship. I was moved to see Parliamentarians with different backgrounds, languages and experiences, coming together to embrace our common heritage. Needless to say, each of us is a proud and patriotic citizen of our home country – but together we will always remain part of the Indian family.”
On the heels of this landmark event, PM Modi is this week welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India for a State visit. Significantly, Israel is home to a burgeoning Indian community, thousands of whom attended a rally addressed by PM Modi in Tel Aviv during his visit to Israel in July 2017 – the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country.
