Asserting that the world today listens to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that due to the country’s heritage, it is able to tell the international community that the future does not lie in ‘yudh’ (war) but in ‘Budh’ (Buddha).
Addressing the diaspora at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Modi said India is not only the mother of democracy, but democracy is a part of people’s lives here.
He said the world today listens to India, which not only presents its own views strongly but also those of the Global South.
Noting that at the time when the world was witnessing the expansion of empires by the power of the sword, Emperor Ashoka chose the path of peace, he said this was the strength of India’s heritage.
“Due to this heritage, India is able to tell the world -- ‘bhavishya yudh mein nahi hai, Budh mein hai’ (the future does not lie in war but in Buddha),” he said.
Modi said he has always considered the diaspora as India’s ambassador to the countries they live in.
“We are not just the mother of democracy, but democracy is part of our lives, our lifestyle. We don’t have to be taught diversity, rather, our life runs on diversity. That’s why wherever Indians go, they become part of the society of that particular place. We respect the rules and traditions of that country and also honestly serve that country and its society, contributing to its growth and prosperity. At the same time, our hearts continue to beat for India,” he said.
The PM said it was because of the diaspora, that he keeps his head high wherever he goes.
“I do not forget the love, affection and prestige I receive across the world. I would like to say thank you. This is because of you, I keep my head high across the world. During the last 10 years, I have met several leaders across the world. The world leaders praise the Indian diaspora. It’s because of the social values you add to their society,” he said.
“Your safety and welfare are our top priority. We consider it our responsibility to help our diaspora during crisis situations no matter where they are. This is one of the guiding principles of India’s foreign policy today. Over the last decade, our embassies and offices have been sensitive and proactive,” he said.
Modi said that earlier in many countries, people had to travel long distances to access consular facilities and wait for days for help.
“Now, these problems are being solved. In the last two years, 14 embassies and consulates have been opened. The scope of the OCI card is also being expanded,” he said.
The PM said the diaspora played a major role in Independence in 1947, and sought their help to make India a developed country by 2047.
He said India is not only a young country but also a country of skilled youths.
