Promote ‘Make in India’, PM appeals to diaspora

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked the Indian diaspora to promote “Make in India”, beginning with tea, textiles and therapy.

Appreciating the contributions made by the diaspora to the PM Cares Fund, he appreciated their investments and repatriation of money to India.

Diaspora is India’s face abroad: PresidenT

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said the Indian diaspora is the country’s face to the world and champions its cause on the global stage. “The diaspora has always come to India’s aid, whether it is for advocacy regarding international issues of concern to India, or contributing to the Indian economy by way of investments,” he said, addressing the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.

“When your colleagues, your friends see you using ‘Make in India’ products, won’t that make you feel proud?” he asked, while speaking at the inauguration of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, being celebrated virtually this time.

PM Modi says the Indian diaspora has not just helped their country of origin, but other nations as well.

The Prime Minister said India was ready with two made-in-India vaccines and said the world is not only waiting for them, but also watching as to how the country runs the world’s biggest vaccination programme.

“Being the pharmacy of the world, India has supplied important medicines to all those in need in the world,” he added.

The Prime Minister appreciated the leading role by India in the fight for independence and against colonialism. All along, he said India had proved the doubters wrong. However, Chief Guest at PBD and Suriname President Chan Santokhi opted to use the word “Hindustan” and said Suriname-Hindustanis have established themselves in other countries.

Santokhi appreciated PM Modi’s congratulatory message last July when he became the second person of Indian-origin to become the Suriname President.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar once again sought to remove misconceptions about the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy and the “Make in India” slogan. Both were essentially aimed at creating national capacities, he clarified.