Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described Indian diaspora as Rashtradoots, that is ambassadors, and maintained that India's 'skill capital' can play a vital role to ensure global growth and development.
"Today, India is being looked at with hope and curiosity. India's voice is being heard on the global stage," he said in his inaugural address to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention being hosted at Indore in Madhya Pradesh.
Amid frequent thundering applause from a large number of NRIs and People of Indian Origin (PIO) including
diplomatic members and visiting heads of nations and foreign ministers, the Prime Minister said,
"Our youths have skill and also values. They are also hard working. This is India's 'skill capital'
and it can become the engine of global growth and development".
He said, "India not only has the capability of becoming a knowledge center but also a skilled capital".
"I call all Indian diasporas Rashtradoots, brand ambassadors of India. Your role as India's brand ambassador is
diverse. You are a brand ambassador of 'Make in India', Yoga, Handicraft industry and at the same time of
India's millets," Mr Modi said.
He said the ensuing G-20 Presidency and Summit in India is not only a diplomatic event. "But for us this is a
platform to promote Jan-Bhagidari (people's participation)," the Prime Minister said. "India is looking at
the G20 Summit as a great opportunity. For us this is an opportunity to tell the world about India," he said.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed President of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who is the chief guest of this year's
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.
"The large Indian diaspora in Guyana can act as enduring links of friendship between our countries," MEA spokesman
Arindam Bagchi said.
Guyana president Irfaan Ali said on the occasion, "It's a significant day in the history of India. On 9th Jan
1950 when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. On this day, 107 years ago the once
physically frail-looking but morally firm man returned and intensified the struggle for India's independence".
He lauded India's achievements and the international support it provided during the Covid19 crisis.
"India used the fruits of its independence to assist other developing countries. Prime Minister Modi, we owe
you a debt of gratitude. When the world locked its borders and globalisation failed, you showed that globalisation
can still succeed and there's still love when the hardest of times hit us," the visiting dignitary said.
"When the world couldn't find vaccines and we faced the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, you showed the
world what real love and hope is," Guyana President said adding, it was then during such challenging times
that India shared vaccines with the rest of the world.
In a message earlier, PM Modi said the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas mega event is a great opportunity to
deepen the connection with the Indian diaspora, which has distinguished itself globally.
The three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention began in Indore on Sunday, January 8.
The theme of this year's meet is “Pravasis: Reliable Partners in India’s Progress in the Age of Amrit”.
The convention also has a special highlight in the form of the first digital exhibition focused on the theme
“Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Contribution of NRIs in Indian Freedom Struggle”.
Important sessions have been organised under various themes. The theme of one session on Monday (Jan 9) is
the ‘Role of NRIs in boosting the Indian Healthcare Eco-system in the Age of Amrit Kaal.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya will preside over this session.
The theme of the another session is - ‘Taking advantage of India’s soft power – goodwill through crafts,
cuisine, and creativity’. It will be presided over by Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention started on Sunday with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas program in Indore.
The first day was hosted by Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sports, and Youth Affairs.
ends
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