BHUBANESWAR: Sending a clear message to the global community over questions on the state of democracy and freedom in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted democracy is an integral part of Indian life.
Inaugurating the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention here Modi said, the Indian diaspora across the globe are the greatest symbols of democratic values and ethos. “India is not just the mother of democracy but democracy is a way of life for Indians. Indians naturally embrace diversity and integrate seamlessly into the societies they join, respecting local rules and traditions.”
The overseas Indians are testament to this fact as they not only serve their host countries with honesty and sincerity but contribute to their growth and prosperity, he said.
Expressing his gratitude to the Indian diaspora and thanking them for giving him the opportunity to hold his head high with pride on the global stage, Modi said he had met numerous world leaders over the past decade and all of them have praised them for their social values and contributions to their respective societies.
Modi also made a strong pitch for peace in the world and said the future lies not in Yuddh (war), but in Buddh (Buddha, the messenger of peace). “The great land of Odisha, where you are gathered today, is a reflection of India’s heritage. When there was a time in the world to expand the empire on the strength of the sword, our emperor Ashoka chose the path of peace here. This is the strength of our heritage with the inspiration of which, India is able to tell the world today that the future is not in Yuddh, it is Buddha,” he said.
Underlining the country’s global rise, the prime minister said the world today listens to India carefully. “With the spirit of Humanity First, India is expanding its global role. Today, India not only asserts its stance strongly but also amplifies the voice of the Global South with full force. When India proposed making the African Union a permanent member of the G20, all members supported the initiative,” he said.
Highlighting the incredible speed and scale of development in 21st century India, the prime minister said that 25 crore people have been lifted out of just 10 years. India has risen from the 10th to the fifth largest economy in the world and is well on path to become the third largest economy soon.
The prime minister said the world is watching in awe the country’s success and achievements. Every sector in India is advancing to new heights, breaking records in renewable energy, aviation, electric mobility, metro networks, and bullet train projects. He highlighted that India is now manufacturing “Made in India” fighter jets and transport aircraft. He envisioned a future where people will travel to India for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in “Made in India” planes.
Acknowledging the significant role of the Indian diaspora in India’s independence in 1947, Modi said the overseas countrymen continue to contribute to its growth, making India the world’s top recipient of remittances. He solicited their continued support to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
President of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo addressed the convention virtually as the chief guest and lauded Indian diaspora’s role in the development and progress of the country.
The prime minister also remotely flagged-off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora under Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, that departed from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and will travel to multiple destinations of tourism and religious importance across the country over a period of three weeks.
External Affairs minister S Jaishankar, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the event among others.