India on Monday made a launch to link the diaspora as partners for progress and development over the next 25 years, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the G20 presidency provides an opportunity for the world to benefit from the achievements. of the country in various fields, ranging from digital technology to space.
India also has the potential to become the skills capital and development engine of the world, Modi said in his speech at the opening session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, the flagship diaspora conclave, in the city of Indore, in Madhya Pradesh.
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi were the main guest and special guest of honor, respectively, at the event, hosted in person after a gap of four years, since the previous edition it was held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Indian side expects the diaspora to play a key role in the development of the country and the theme of the PBD convention is “Diaspora: Trusted Partners for India’s Advancement in Amrit Kaal”. Modi pointed to the government’s plans in this regard, describing people of Indian origin abroad as brand ambassadors for a number of official initiatives such as “Make in India.”
“Their role as brand ambassadors for India is diverse. You are brand ambassadors for ‘Make in India’. You are brand ambassadors for Yoga and ayurveda, you are also brand ambassadors for Indian handicrafts and cottage industries. At the same time, they are also brand ambassadors for millet from India,” Modi said, speaking in a mix of Hindi and English.
“You have another important role to play in these rapidly changing times. You are the people who will address the world’s desire to know more about India. Today the whole world is waiting and watching India with great interest and curiosity,” she added.
Modi said the diaspora will have an “important place” in India’s plans for further development over the next 25 years. “You will strengthen India’s unique global vision and its important role in the world order,” he said, highlighting some aspects of India’s progress.
“On the global stage, India’s voice and message today have a different importance. India’s growing strength will increase further in the coming days,” Modi said, and the responsibilities of the diaspora will also increase. “You (the diaspora) should enrich your knowledge not only about Indian culture and tradition, but also about the progress of the nation.”
In this context, he spoke of India’s development of indigenous vaccines against covid-19, the delivery of more than two billion doses of vaccines to Indians and the development of high-tech defense platforms such as the Tejas fighter jet, the Arihant nuclear submarine and the Vikrant aircraft carrier. India accounts for 40% of global digital transactions in real time, the prime minister added, also noting the country’s prowess in space, software and digital technologies.
The presidency of the G20, the grouping of the 20 largest economies, is an opportunity to tell the world about India’s achievements, just as it is an opportunity for others to pave a path for a sustainable future based on India’s experiences, Modi said. “The G20 is not just a diplomatic event but a historic movement with the participation of the people.”
The Indian leadership has said the country will act as the voice of the global South, or developing countries, in the G20 at a time when the group remains divided over the Ukraine crisis. India has consistently raised the concerns of the global South about rising food and fuel prices due to the conflict in Europe.
At the same time, Modi said that India can drive global growth thanks to the skills of its young generation. “India has the opportunity to become not only a knowledge hub but also the skills capital of the world. India has capable young people with skills, values and passion and honesty for work. India’s skill capital can become the engine of global growth.”
Modi praised the work done by the diaspora, including its role in development and keeping Indian culture alive. “When people from different regions of India meet in other countries, there is a feeling of one India, the best India. When one speaks of the most disciplined, democratic and peaceful people in the world, the pride of the mother of democracy increases”.
“Wherever you live, you take India with you,” he said, emphasizing India’s commitment to working for the interests and aspirations of the diaspora around the world.
Modi also praised Indore, saying it is not a city but “an era ahead of its time but clinging to its legacy.”
In his speech, Madhya Pradesh Prime Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “India is giving a message of peace and love to the world. There have been two Narendras in India. A hundred years ago, there was a Narendra, Swami Vivekananda, who called India the guru of the world. Today this work is done under the leadership of another Narendra. The country is moving towards becoming a global guru. This room is small, but there is no shortage of space in the heart.”
This year’s PBD convention, which will continue until January 10, will be attended by ministers from Mauritius, Malaysia and Panama, and large delegations from Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
