World connected by internet, our minds connected with ‘Maa Bharti’: PM at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that though the entire world is connected via the internet in this day and age, the minds of our people are always connected with ‘Maa Bharti’ – India.

Speaking at the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said, “Today we have been connected with internet from various corners of the world but our minds are always connected with ‘Maa Bharti’. In the past years, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have strengthened their identity in other countries.”

“The ongoing campaign in India to empower the poor of the country is being discussed around the world. We have shown that in the sector of renewable energy, a developing country too can take the lead,” Modi said.

Acknowledging India’s contribution in global wealth and counter-terrorism measures, Modi said that the world drew courage from our actions during the testing times.

“When India stood in the face of terrorism, the world too got the courage to face this challenge. Today, India is using technology to end corruption. Money worth lakhs and crores are directly being credited to accounts of beneficiaries... People said that India will break and democracy is impossible in the country but the truth is that India stands together with a strong and vibrant democracy today,” PM Modi said.

Commenting on our country’s prowess in developing indigenous vaccines to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, he hailed India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives to “save humanity”.

“India used to import PPE kits, masks, ventilators and testing kits from abroad but today our nation is self-reliant. Today, India is ready to save humanity with two ‘Made in India’ Covid-19 vaccines,” the Prime Minister said at the convention.

PM Modi had on Friday said that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention would be a “'great opportunity to interact with our vibrant diaspora”.

The convention is a flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs, and provides a platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians.