The phase when Indians travelled abroad in search of opportunity is over and now India beckons its overseas citizens as a land of opportunity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Thursday in his inaugural address at the ongoing Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
“Our forefathers went to far off lands in search of opportunity. They endured long journeys and carved a niche for themselves wherever they went. There was also a phase where educated Indians and professionals went abroad for more exposure or better prospects. Perhaps that phase was necessary. But today opportunities await you on Indian soil. Time has changed rapidly and the world is looking at India with hope. An Indian in any corner of the world has become a symbol of strength. The world is ready to embrace us and we must be ready for the world,” Mr Modi said.
Reminding the diaspora that he had delivered on his promises made to them before coming to power, Mr. Modi said the government worked to merge Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) schemes, making way for a one-time visa. Overseas Indians would also be exempt from weekly police reporting. Mr. Modi said these measures were not merely a matter of ease of administration, but of self-respect as well. But they did not come with any expectations. “There is a certain strength in meeting our people. That itself can be a source of energy,” he said.
Modi promises aid to Guyana
Engaging in diplomacy on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) event here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had substantive meetings with Donald Ramotar, President of Guyana; Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa; and Showkutally Soodhun, Vice Prime Minister Mauritius.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is set to visit South Africa in the first quarter of this year to pursue opportunities for economic ties particularly in infrastructure and mining.
India and South Africa on Thursday discussed the need for UN Security Council reforms especially when 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the international body, Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs told a press conference here.
In his discussion with Mr. Ramotar, Mr. Modi assured a line of credit worth $ 60 million to Guyana for two road and ocean ferry projects in the Caribbean country. The Centre also decided to include Guyana in the list of countries whose citizens will get a visa-on-arrival facility. The facility of Electronic Travel Authorization (e-Visa) has also been introduced to save time.
A deeper engagement with Mauritius is also on the cards with the country inviting Mr. Modi to pay a visit on March 12.
Gandhi museum
Mr. Modi took a tour of ‘Dandi Kutir’ – a conical three-storey museum dedicated to Gandhiji – constructed in Gandhinagar. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel said it was the biggest exhibition in Asia.
Coins, stamps released
At the occasion, two stamps of Rs. 25 and Rs. 5 and two coins of Rs. 100 and Rs. 10 denominations were released in the memory of Gandhiji.
This years PBD will honour 16 NRIs with ‘Samman Awards’. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who is among those awarded this year, will not attending the awards function on Friday.
“The award will be given to him in absentia,” Mr. Akbaruddin said.
