PM Modi to NRIs: Opportunities awaiting you in India

Inaugurating this year’s edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, PM Modi said: “NRIs represent India abroad. I strongly believe that those who settled abroad are the strong capital of India. They can play a vital role. Several opportunities are waiting for them in India.”

He welcomed the representatives of NRI community at the event that was attended by Indian nationals from over 200 countries.

“The world is looking at India with immense hope, great expectations and optimism. We have so much to give to the world. What is needed is the confidence in ourselves. Times have changed very quickly,” the PM said.

He said Indian community is admired all around the world.

The world is eagerly waiting to accept Indians with open hands. It is not due to the money but the values the Indian community is living with. Now the responsibility lies with us to make ourselves enabled to cater to them,” said PM Modi while inaugurating the much-touted even at the swanky Mahatma Mandir.

He also referred to Mahatma Gandhi-centenary year of return of Father of the Nation to India - saying “the more the entire world gets to know about Mahatma Gandhi, it will be better.” It has the strength to guide everyone, he said.

Sources said about 4000 NRIs from 58 countries attended the annual fest that brings together members of the Indian diaspora to engage and discuss investing in India.

The Foreign Minister of South Africa Maite Nikoana-Mashabane and President of Guyana Doland Ramotar were also present at the inauguration.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas entered its 13th year this year. The occasion has traditionally celebrated Mahatma Gandhi as the original NRI.

2015 is also the centenary year of the return of Gandhi to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915 from where he started freedom struggle against the British Empire.