Modi urges Indian diaspora to unite as positive global force

Thursday, January 08, 2015
PM Narendra Modi delivering the inaugural address to the Indian Diaspora in Gandhinagar 
[PHOTO: Special Arrangements
Gandhinagar, India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday called upon the Indian diaspora across the world to unite as a positive global force in the cause of humanity.

Modi was addressing a inaugural function of the 13th Indian diaspora meet, which is being held in western state of Gujarat to commemorate 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa to India.

A customary welcome was given to a host of national and international leaders who were present on the inaugural occasion by felicitating them.

Modi 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. 

He urged the diaspora to contribute to India's success in any way possible.

Modi lighting the lamp at the inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015 
[PHOTO: Special Arrangements
The Prime Minister welcomed the dignitaries from Guyana, South Africa and Mauritius. He recalled how Indian festivals such as Holi and Diwali are enthusiastically celebrated in Guyana.

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.
Invoking Gandhi, Modi said his philosophies and teachings continue to inspire the world when it comes to humane development and resolving various problems facing the world.

"When it comes to development while keeping humanity at its core, there is nothing greater than Mahatma Gandhi's philosophies," he said.

Nearly 4,000 delagates from 44 countries are attending the Indian Diaspora Meet (Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, from Jan 7to 9) 2015 in Gandhinagar of Gujarat. A mega exhibition spread over 1.1 million sq ft has also been organised as part of the programme.
Previous
Next Post »