“They embody the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity.”
-PM Modi on Indian diaspora
The Indian diaspora, with a population exceeding 32 million, stands as one of the most diverse, widespread, and influential communities across the world. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the government has recognised the invaluable contributions of this community, effectively channeling its economic, financial, technological, and global credentials towards India’s growth.
The change in perception towards the Indian diaspora is palpable. Previously viewed with suspicion for seeking better opportunities abroad, these individuals are now considered a valuable asset for India, especially its foreign policy. This has been an outcome of PM Modi’s vision for the Indian diaspora—a transition from brain drain to brain gain. This vision stands for Bharatiyata—where every individual irrespective of their geographical location contributes to the progress of Brand India. It stands for unity and collective growth, emphasising the shared responsibility of the diaspora in shaping India's destiny.
The dedication of Indian diaspora towards preserving the nation’s rich heritage and building global ties has not gone unnoticed. PM Modi, recognising their exemplary discipline and hard work, has actively engaged them to contribute to transformative initiatives in India such as the cleaning up of river Ganga and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Today the diaspora plays a crucial role in furthering India’s national interest globally. The soft power diplomacy has received a renewed push, now extending beyond films, literature, and culture to actively engaging millions of people abroad directly.
PM Modi's government has implemented several schemes and initiatives to strengthen this bond between India and its diaspora. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), for example, is celebrated annually on January 9th as a tribute to the return of Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest pravasi. PBD acts as a celebration and a reminder of the remarkable contribution of the Indian diaspora towards the country’s development and their role as reliable partners for India’s growth. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, on the other hand, also acts as a platform, bridging ideas and innovations while fostering connections among diaspora members.
Cultural ties have been a focal point, with initiatives like Know India Programme, designed to familiarise India’s young diaspora with various facets of present-day India, including its rich art, heritage, and culture. The Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz also encourages them to delve deeper into their roots and develop a better understanding of the land of their ancestors. In a similar vein, Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana motivates overseas Indians to experience the spiritual and religious heritage of India. Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora, on the other hand, is a mandate to display Indian culture and heritage to the world.
Going further, Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children facilitate higher education for these children in Indian institutions and universities while cementing India’s position as an eminent center for advanced studies. Other programs like Global Initiative for Academic Network (GIAN), the VAJRA Faculty Scheme, Mission Shodh GANGA (Global Alliance for New Generation Acceleration), and Ramanujan Fellowship aim to boost the research and development ecosystem in India. These are also connecting mechanisms that aim to harness the rich diaspora talent in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The establishment of the India Centre for Migration reflects the government's commitment to formulating long-term strategies concerning the emigration of Indians abroad. It also conducts workshops, seminars, and research studies to facilitate this process better. The Indian Community Welfare Fund, on the other hand, plays a pivotal role in providing aid during times of distress and emergencies.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana and initiatives like Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) under the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana demonstrate the government's commitment to ensuring the welfare of Indian workers migrating abroad. PDOT equips prospective migrants with essential soft skills, ranging from language, culture, and behaviour abroad. This program augments their competitiveness and validates their readiness as they move abroad.
Today almost 1.29 lakh individuals have undertaken training via PDOT and Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana since the initiative’s inception in 2018. This statistic underscores its effectiveness in empowering aspiring migrants with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful transition to foreign environments.
The government ensures that the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora receive due recognition. The highest honour in this regard, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award underscores the positive impact of overseas Indians in fostering a deeper understanding of India at the global level, and their commitment to the Indian cause abroad.
Additionally, the Modi government has always been proactive in ensuring the safety and well-being of the diaspora during times of crisis. The Vande Bharat Mission is a shining example here. As the world grappled with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi's government launched the mission to assist in the repatriation of distressed Indian nationals stranded abroad.
Multiple grievance redressal mechanisms to aid and assist Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) such as Madad portal, Rishta Portal and Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra.
Needless to say, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has ushered in a new era of collaboration and unity with the Indian diaspora. The community is looked at as a symbol of novelty and change that Indian can benefit from. By recognising their potential as a source of economic, cultural, and intellectual strength, the government has successfully harnessed the energy and assets of the diaspora for India's growth story.
The initiatives undertaken not only bridge the geographical gap but also foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility towards the nation's progress. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Indian diaspora has become an integral part of the country's global narrative, contributing significantly to its development and standing proudly as ambassadors of 'Bharatiyata.'
