Addressing the 13th anniversary of the world's largest annual gathering of people of Indian origin, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, India PM Narendra Modi referred every NRI as "shakti" (strength) and said the consolidation of entire diaspora's strength could drive India towards progress.
Modi urged the diaspora to come up and contribute to India's evolution in any way possible, including knowledge, expertise or skills. He even asserted that he has fulfilled his pledge to diaspora of merging the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards. Modi said the world is ready to "embrace India" and cited the fact that his proposal at the UN to institute an international yoga day was supported by a record 177 nations in just 100 days, as an example.
"We have a lot to give to the world, we only lack the confidence," he said, calling upon NRIs across the world to furnace and take pride in a common identity and heritage, and to use this strength collectively. Modi further claimed his meeting with representatives of 50 countries since occupying his office in May, 2014.
"We are extremely proud of our diaspora. They have made India global and their strong values have endeared them wherever they have gone," he tweeted later.
Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also marked her presence and said the government is determined to work closely with its huge diaspora to "leverage each other’s strengths for mutual benefits" and urged professionals from the diaspora to join in for the development of India and "restore it to its past glory."
"A successful, prosperous and politically influential diaspora is an asset to India, much as a strong and self-reliant India would be a source of strength and inspiration for the diaspora. This synergy acts as a vibrant bridge between us and sustains our relationship," she said.