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The world was looking at India with hope-filled eyes, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, welcoming the Indian diaspora to the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in the Gujarat capital.
Describing India as a land “brimming with opportunities” at the inaugural address of the meet at Mahatma Mandir, Modi said: “Indians have explored various countries of the world for opportunities to scale new heights. They gave a new identity to India. It was the need of that time.”
Adding: “While our ancestors went to different lands exploring numerous opportunities, I welcome you today to the land of India, which is brimming with opportunities. Times have changed quite rapidly. India has risen with new strength. And, the world is looking at India with hope-filled eyes.”
Since its inception in 2003, PBD is celebrated to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India as the “original non-resident Indian (NRI)”. The 13th edition in 2015 is celebrating the centenary of Gandhi’s homecoming on January 9, 1915.
Describing the Indian diaspora as a “great capital”, the prime minister appealed to the community of over 25 million living in over 200 countries to help transform the nation.
“I am convinced that people of Indian origin are our capital and strength,” he said, adding: “If we focus on this segment, we can create a lot of respect for the country globally.”
He also said leaders of different countries, with whom he interacted, wished to work with India.
“After assuming the new responsibility (as prime minister of India), I got an opportunity to interact with leaders of more than 50 countries. I felt that everyone wants to work with India.”
Referring to the United Nation (UN)’s declaration to mark June 21 as World Yoga Day, after Modi’s proposal, he said: “The fact that 177 out of the 193 UN member countries supported the Indian proposal, and the announcement coming within 100 days (of his proposal), is a small reflection of how the world is ready to embrace India.”
About 4,000 NRIs from 58 countries are reportedly attending the annual event that brings together members of the Indian diaspora to engage and discuss investing in the country.
The prime minister also enumerated the steps taken by the National Democratic Alliance government for people of Indian origin (PIO) and overseas citizens of India (OCI).
“PIOs will be given lifetime visas. The rule requiring PIO cardholders to visit the police station every week for verification had been repealed,” said Modi, adding OCI and PIO cards have been merged and everyone would be able to enjoy the same facilities.
“The benefits of visa-on-arrival have been made available to 43 countries of the world.”
The prime minister also said a mechanism for travel authorisation through electronic means had been put in place.
