Let's work together : Swarj to overseas Indians

Speaking at a programme on the occasion of  Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Swaraj also urged the 25 million overseas Indian community, that has a common legacy with India,  to participate in the country's development and 'restore it to its past glory.'

"The Indian diaspora today constitutes an important, and in some resepects unique, force in world culture. In the past couple of decades, it has grown inginto an energetic and confident community of over 25 million that has given India a presence in many parts of the world," she said.

"We welcome entrepreneurs, investors and professionals from the diaspora to partake in our endeavour to develop the motherland and restore it to its past glory. I promise you that it will be a mutually rewarding and satisfying partnership," she said, inviting the delegates to come up with new ideas and suggestions on how both sides could work closely together.

Guyana President and the Chief Guest at the programme,  Donald Ramotar, Mauritius Vice Prime Minister. Showkatally Soodhun and South Arica Foreign Minister Mahasabane were  among other dignitaries present at the programme.

Swaraj mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi  himself has taken the lead in reaching out to the Overseas Indian community an engaging them.

She said a 'successful,  prosperous and politically influential diaspora' is an asset to India, much as a strong and self-reliant India would be a source of strength and inspiration for the diaspora. "This synergy acts as a vibrant bridge between us and sustains our relationship."

Swaraj pointed out that this year PBD was being held in Gujarat, marking the 100th anniversary of the return of Mahatma Gandhi  to India from Souuth Africa and reminded that the leader of the nation had fought against indentureship and exploitation of Indians around the globe.

She said  Padma Shri awardee, Biman Das would  build a monument dedicated to the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in Guyana.