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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday during his remarks at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas highlighted how the diaspora’s presence in India during time of festivities in the country gives them a chance to connect closer to India and lauded their value systems for seamlessly integrating with the world and at the same time carrying Indian ethos forward.
“In just a few days, the Mahakumbh will start in Prayagraj. The festival of Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu are also coming up. There is a joyful atmosphere everywhere. For us, it was on this day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi came back to India after a long time abroad. Your presence in India at such a wonderful time is adding to the festive spirit”, PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that it was the Government’s responsibility to help the diaspora during a crisis situation.
“We give great importance to your convenience and comfort. 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 worldwide sensitive and proactive. Earlier in many countries, people had to travel long distances to access Consular facilities. They had to wait for days for help. Now, these problems are being solved. In just the last two years, 14 embassies and Consulate have been opened. The scope of the OCI card is also being expanded. It has been extended to the PIOs of the 7th generation of Mauritius,” he said. (The Tribune)
