(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said every NRI is like a "shakti" and if the strength of the entire diaspora can be consolidated, it could become a driving force for India's progress.
Addressing the inauguration of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, the world's largest annual gathering of people of Indian origin, Modi also said that he has fulfilled his promise to the diaspora of merging the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards.
He exhorted the diaspora to come and contribute to India's success in any way possible, including knowledge, expertise or skills. He mentioned in particular, the Namaami Gange project to clean River Ganga, and said 40 percent of India lived by and survived on the river. He said he was sure all NRIs would be inspired to contribute to this cause.
Modi said the world is ready to "embrace India" and cited as an example the fact that his proposal at the UN to institute an international yoga day was supported by a record 177 nations and in just 100 days. "We have a lot to give to the world, we only lack the confidence," he said, calling upon NRIs across the world to forge and take pride in a common identity and heritage, and to use this strength collectively.
Modi said he had met representatives of 50 countries since assuming office in May last year, and he could say with confidence that all nations rich or poor across the world today feel that their goals and objectives can be met in partnership with India.
Referring to the apparent slackening in enthusiasm during the past few years to the annual gala, Modi said that "in between, little little, people did not feel like coming. Few would come and a few came because they had to come; but I would come regularly," to laughter among the crowd.
Earlier, Modi welcomed Guyana President Donald Ramotar, South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Mauritius Vice Prime Minister Showkutally Soodhun who were on the dais with him. He later held bilateral meetings with them. A PBD Kendra is also coming up in New Delhi and would be inaugurated soon for the benefit of pravasis, he said.
Guyanese President Ramotar, chief guest at the PBD, urged India to play a more active role on the global stage and be the voice of the developing world.
Earlier, Modi inaugurated the 'Dandi Kutir' museum located opposite the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The three-storey exhibition, housed in a dome shaped Salt Mountain structure, traces the life and times of Gandhi. Nearly 4,000 delagates from 44 countries are attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015. A mega exhibition spread over 1.1 million sq ft has also been organised as part of the programme.
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