Rama Krishna Sangem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on a two day tour of France on July 13, Thursday night lauded the role of Indian diaspora in enhancing the country’s image on the global stage. “Across the world, you are leading our country in all areas,” he told a well attended gathering of diaspora at Le Siene Musicale in Paris. The entire stadium echoed with slogans “Modi, Modi!” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
PM Modi who spoke in Hindi recalled how Indian soldiers a 100 years ago laid down their lives fighting the first World War on the soil of France. “Those soldiers were from Punjab regiment, and again tomorrow the same regiment will be participating the Bastille National Day Parade in Paris,” said Modi, amidst loud applause from the audience. Such is the strong bonding between India and France, he said.
Commending India’s growing economic power in the last nine years, the PM said India has climbed from the world 10th largest to fifth largest economy today. “This has become possible because of the hard work done by each of Indians and all of you too,” he told the diaspora. He spoke of diversity of linguistic and cultural practices in India and said the country is proud of this heritage.
France-India friendship growing stronger
PM Modi paid tributes to the 25 years long friendship between India and France and said that this bonding will grow further in the coming 25 years. He said the development in India is women centric and the country is proud of of having a tribal woman as its President today. A large number of youth are now learning technology as the world is tech driven today.
PM Modi underlined the promising future of India in the coming days. “We are now getting attention of entire world thanks to our leadership at G 20,” he said. On a personal touch, PM Modi said he would devote his every bit of his mite and life for the sake of the country. This diaspora meeting has lent a personal touch to PM Modi’s two day tour of France that will be concluded with his presence Bastille Day parade Friday.
