Highlighting the diaspora’s achievements, PM Modi praised their contributions, noting that India is now the world’s top recipient of remittances, largely thanks to their hard work….reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the inaugural session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Bhubaneswar, called on the Indian diaspora to be a driving force behind India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative.
“India’s independence in 1947 saw significant contributions from our diaspora. Now, as we set our sights on a developed India by 2047, we need your support once again,” said PM Modi, emphasizing the diaspora’s crucial role in the country’s growth.
Highlighting the diaspora’s achievements, PM Modi praised their contributions, noting that India is now the world’s top recipient of remittances, largely thanks to their hard work.
The Prime Minister stressed that India’s development isn’t confined to big cities but extends to tier-2, tier-3 cities, and rural areas. He encouraged the diaspora to promote India’s rich cultural heritage and tourism by visiting lesser-known destinations and sharing their experiences globally.
“You must help others discover India’s true history, our past prosperity, and our struggles for independence. It is essential to showcase the real India to the world,” PM Modi stated.
India’s focus on development alongside heritage, he said, was evident during the G-20 events held across the country, offering a glimpse of India’s diversity. The government’s initiative to establish Thiruvalluvar Culture Centres is another step in promoting India’s rich cultural legacy.
PM Modi also shared stories of Indian diaspora members, such as the Gujarati community in Oman, whose legacies contribute to India’s global presence. He urged the diaspora to continue promoting local Indian products in their respective countries.
“You are our ambassadors, and your role in promoting Made-in-India goods, from food to clothing, is crucial,” the PM said.
Assuring the diaspora of the government’s support in times of crisis, PM Modi emphasised that their safety and welfare remain a top priority in India’s foreign policy.
Highlighting Odisha’s heritage, PM Modi celebrated the state’s historical sites, including the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, Konark Temple, and ancient ports like Tamralipti and Manikpatna, which reflect India’s rich legacy.
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Diaspora confident and optimistic
The Indian diaspora resonated with Modi’s vision, expressing hope for a more developed and progressive India by 2047.
Sushant Satapathy, a delegate from Chicago, reflected on PM Modi’s call for greater engagement from the diaspora.
“PM Modi said we are an extension of India and have a role to play. Staying connected and working for the betterment of our homeland is crucial. Promoting technology, tourism, and trade is possible, and by 2047, India will be much more progressed and significant than it is now,” he stated.
In his speech, PM Modi praised the Indian diaspora as “ambassadors to the world” and emphasised their crucial role in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader.
Annapurna Devi Pandey, who has lived in California for 35 years, expressed her admiration for the Prime Minister’s message.
“It was wonderful listening to him. He said valuable things, focusing on inclusivity, diversity, and the power of India as the fifth-largest economy. It’s very inspiring. We are proud Indians, and India is progressing well,” she remarked.
Razik Wakil, a delegate from Saudi Arabia, shared his excitement about the event. “The hosting was grand, and the atmosphere electrifying. What Modi ji said is stunningly acceptable. We all appreciate his efforts internationally and domestically,” he said.
Special tourist train for NRIs flagged off
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remotely flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora.
The train will travel to various tourism and religious destinations across India over three weeks. This initiative is part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Express is a special state-of-the-art tourist train, exclusively designed and built for the Indian diaspora, and that too for the age group between 45 and 65 years.
Starting from its launch day, January 9, the train will travel to multiple destinations across the nation, including prominent tourist and religious places, for three weeks.
The date for flagging off the special train has also been deliberately chosen by the Modi-led government. The date January 9, 2025, commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on this date in the year 1915.
The departure of the train is from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi and the route is – New Delhi – Ayodhya – Patna- Gaya – Varanasi – Mahabalipuram – Rameswaram – Madurai – Kochi – Goa – Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) – Ajmer – Pushkar – Agra. The train can accommodate 156 passengers.
To connect the Indian diaspora to their roots, this tour is being organised under the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
Indian Embassies across the world had invited applications from participants, giving a preference to Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs) belonging to the low-income category who would otherwise not be able to afford to visit India on their own.
A statement of the ministry said that it will bear all expenses for the aforesaid conducted train tour besides also bearing 90 per cent of the return airfares for the eligible people from their countries of origin to India. The participants need to bear only 10 per cent of their return airfares. The travellers will be accommodated at 4-star or similar category hotels as per the tour itinerary.
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