As the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) began in Odisha on January 8, the 'Modi Archive' X account has posted a memory from the inaugural PBD on January 9, 2003, when the then Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, was present.
But it was not just his presence that made the occasion special, but the powerful address he delivered, which is being revisited on Thursday.
The beginning of the new discourse began on 9 January, 2003-the first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-and was about daring the world to view Hindutva as the very beat of an eternal civilisation. "And this is the man, Narendra Modi," says a post on Modi Archive, "who dared say it out aloud.".
New Delhi was the venue for this Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which happened to be the first ever. The room was filled with distinguished Non-Resident Indians who hailed from different parts of the world. As the closing ceremony drew near, a gentleman stepped onto the stage and the room fell silent. It was none other than then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
"The subject of his speech was one that had polarized debates, dominated headlines, and stirred emotions across the nation: Hindutva," the post adds.
For years, Hindutva had been seen as an impediment to progress and development. Speaking to an enthralled audience of NRIs, Narendra Modi, then Gujarat CM, wanted to challenge these perceptions. He started with the widespread belief that Hindutva was inimical to development.
With characteristic confidence, he said, "Those who do not understand the ancient Hindu culture of thousands of years are revealing their ignorance by portraying Hindutva as opposed to development. "
The audience listened attentively as Narendra Modi explained that Hindutva was not merely a relic of the past or a political instrument but an enduring civilisational ethos that transcended elections, governments, and even borders.
Then came the line that hushed even the most skeptical of minds in that room. "Hindutva is a culture of thousands of years. The BJP may win or lose, but Hindutva can never be defeated."
He further explained that Hindutva embodies the freedom of thought and respect for all creation, values that are unparalleled across the globe. He also emphasised that the spirit of Hindutva could counter terrorism in its fight against humanity worldwide.
With palpable passion, Narendra Modi shared vivid examples of how Hindu culture has remained relevant through the centuries. "Hindutva," he said, "can never be confined to a narrow definition."
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