Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the contributions made by the Indian diaspora community to aid the country’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Indian diaspora helped in the country’s fight against the pandemic by contributing to PM CARES. It is being used to strengthen the health infrastructure in the country,” Modi said while addressing the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention.
The Prime Minister said that in the past, the Indian diaspora have strengthened their identity by showing their commitment for the betterment of the society.
“I feel proud to hear heart-warming stories of NRIs coming forward, helping those in need. In the last few months, I have had discussions with several heads of states. These heads of states have categorically mentioned how Persons of Indian Origin have served their societies, from doctors to social workers to even commoners,” he added.
Modi told the Indian diaspora that the country always stands with them, adding that over 45 lakh people were rescued under the ‘Vande Bharat’ mission during onset of the pandemic.
The PBD Convention is a flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians.
The theme of 16th PBD Convention 2021 was “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
Emphasising that the whole of India stands together, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the country has the strongest and most vibrant democracy in the world.
“When India got independence, it was said that the country will break due to its poverty, less education and that democracy is impossible here, but the truth is that India stands together, and has the most strong and vibrant democracy in the whole world,” Modi said while speaking at the 16th ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ convention.
He also said whenever anyone raised eyebrows at the ability of the country and the countrymen, it has turned out to be wrong.
Modi asserted that India’s history is a proof that there is no question or doubts about its ability in any circumstances.
“When India stood in the face of terrorism, the world also got the courage to face the challenge. Today, India is using technology to end corruption. Money worth lakhs and crores are directly being credited to account of beneficiary.”
“Today, India’s space programme and tax start-up eco-system is a leader in the global sphere. Even during Covid-19, several new unicorns and tech start-ups started from India,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that even in the times of pandemic, India has shown its ability.
President of Suriname, a South American country, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, is the chief guest of this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.
The last convention which was the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held from January 21 to January 23, 2019, in Varanasi with Uttar Pradesh being the partner states. Over 7,000 delegates participated in the 15th convention which also included a visit to Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and participation in Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on 26 January 2019.
Also Read-It’s Official
Read More-10 infants killed in Maha hospital blaze
