Pravasi Bhartiyas are brand ambassadors of India: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described Pravasi Bhartiyas as the “brand ambassadors” of India on foreign soil and said they have a significant place in the journey of the country as it enters the ‘Amrit kaal’ of the next 25 years.

Speaking after inaugurating the 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city, Prime Minister Modi also referred to India’s G20 Presidency this year and said it is being seen as a big opportunity to tell the world about the country.

President of the Republic of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi was the special guest of honour and Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali was the chief guest at the event.

“I consider Pravasi Bharatiyas as brand ambassadors and ‘rashtra doot’ of India on foreign soil. Your role is diverse. You are the brand ambassador for yoga, Ayurveda, cottage industry, handicrafts and also millets,” Prime Minister Modi said.

“The nation has entered the Amrit kaal of the next 25 years. Our Pravasi Bharatiyas have a significant place in this journey. India’s unique global vision and its important role in the global order will be strengthened by you,” he said.

Referring to the country’s strengths, Prime Minister Modi said India not only has the capability of becoming a knowledge centre but also to become the skill capital, which can become the engine of development of the world.

“India has a large number of capable youth today. Our youth have skill as well as values and honesty to work,” he said.

“The GenNext Pravasis are also curious to know about the country of their parents’ origin,” he said.