Spotlighting the country's march toward becoming a 'Viksit Bharat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought the participation of the diaspora in making India a developed nation by 2047.
"India got independence in 1947 and our diaspora played a big role in this. They contributed towards the freedom of India while living abroad. Now we have a target of making India a developed nation by 2047," said Prime Minister Modi while speaking at the inaugural session of 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
Praising the Indian diaspora for its contribution to India's growth, the PM said that it is due to their hard work that the country has become number one in the world in terms of remittances.
Asserting that India is not just big cities, he added that a lot of the population is residing in tier-2, tier-3 cities and villages, and the diaspora should focus on 'heritage tourism' of India in the countries that they are residing in.
"There's a lot of Indian culture there. We have to connect the world with this heritage," said PM Modi.
He appealed to the diaspora to visit the amazing tourist destinations located in small towns, villages of India and later share their experiences with friends and ensure they also visit India.
"You have to come forward to let the people of the country you are living in know the real history of India. Today's generation in those countries does not know our prosperity in the past, the long periods of subjugation and our struggles. You all can let the world know the true history of India," the PM said.
PM Modi stated that India is embracing the mantra of development with heritage. He stated that the Indian government, in the course of the G-20 event, had conducted a series of meetings at every nook and corner of the country so that the world could have a first-hand experience of the diversity of India.
He stated that the Indian government has taken the decision to open Thiruvalluvar Culture Centres so that the thoughts of Saint Thiruvalluvar can be propagated.
Referring to the collection and digitisation of documents related to some people of Gujarati origin who settled in Oman centuries back, PM Modi said "the history of the Indian diaspora has spread across the world, the stories of how they reached that country and made their mark there is a significant legacy of India. You also have so many interesting and inspiring stories. It needs to be shown, heard and cherished. This is our shared legacy, shared heritage."
During the address, the Prime Minister also urged the diaspora to popularise the local products produced in India in the countries where they are living.
You also have a big role in making India's local products global. You must buy Made in India food packets, Made in India clothes and any such thing, the PM appealed.
Calling the diaspora members as ambassadors of India, he assured them that the current government has always stood by them in times of crisis.
"Your safety and welfare are a 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," said the PM.
Prime Minister Modi said this land reflects the rich legacy of India with its sites such as Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, Konark Temple and ancient ports of Tamralipti and Manikpatna. "This treasure is in itself a thing of immense pride," he said.
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