Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for documenting the history of the Indian diaspora, highlighting their journeys across different eras to various countries, their remarkable achievements, and their contributions to the societies they became a part of.

“The history of the Indian diaspora across the globe, their journeys to various countries, and their remarkable stories of success form a unique part of India’s heritage. There are many interesting and inspiring stories which deserve to be told, shown, and documented. They represent our shared legacies and cultural heritage,” said Mr. Modi addressing Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD)-2025 celebration in Bhubaneswar on Thursday (January 9, 2025).

The Prime Minister emphasised on the Girmitiyas, indentured labourers who were sent from pre-independent India to various countries, including Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, British Guiana, and Suriname, to work under colonial arrangements.

“Why cannot comprehensive database of Girmitiyas be created? This could document the villages and States they originated from, the destinations they settled in, and the journeys that shaped their lives. It could also as to how they converted challenges into opportunities. To bring their stories to a wider audience, films and documentaries could be produced,” he remarked.

“There should be study and research on Girmitiyas’ history. Chairs can be established in universities. At regular intervals, world Girmitiya conference can be organized. I will tell my team to explore possibilities on this aspect and work to take this forward,” said Mr. Modi.

The Prime Minister mentioned about a few families who migrated from Gujarat had settled in Oman. “Their 250 years of journey is quite inspiring. Thousands of documents related to them have been digitized and exhibited. Besides, an oral history project has been done by documenting experiences shared by senior most members of the community. Similar efforts should be made on Indian diaspora who had gone to different countries,” he said.

The PBD-2025 features spread and evolution of Indian diaspora in the world with special focus on Mandvi to Muscat. This will showcase the rare documents of people who had migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman.

Mr. Modi praised Indian diaspora saying they add social values to other countries’ societies. “India is not just the mother of democracy. Democracy is woven into the fabric of our lives and is a way of life for us. Diversity is not something we are taught—it is something that naturally defines how we live,” he said

“Wherever Indians go, they seamlessly assimilate into the local society, respecting the rules and traditions of the place. With utmost sincerity, we serve the community and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the country we call home. Yet, no matter where we are, India remains close to our hearts. We rejoice in India’s happiness and celebrate its achievements with pride,” said Mr. Modi.

Turning his focus on India story, the Prime Minister said, “the pace at which 21st-century India is advancing and the scale of its development efforts are unprecedented. In just a decade, the country has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty. During the same period, India has risen from being the world’s 10th largest economy to the fifth largest. It won’t be long before India secures its position as the third largest economy in the world.”

Underlining India’s growing global role due to its achievements and prospects, Mr. Modi said “Today’s India not only firmly asserts its own point but also strongly amplifies the voice of the Global South”. He highlighted the unanimous support for India’s proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G-20, emphasizing India’s commitment to “Humanity First.”

Stating that earlier people who had to travel long distances and wait for days to access consular Mr. Modi said that these issues were now being addressed, with fourteen new embassies and consulates opened in the last two years. The scope of OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) cards was being expanded to include Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) of the 7th generation from Mauritius and the 6th generation from Suriname, Martinique, and Guadeloupe.

Source: thehindu