The adulation and ovations lavished on Prime Minister Modi
during his recent visit to Australia has been an issue of political rhetoric
also. Leaders of major political parties have brandished the euphoria of Indian
Diaspora in Australia and earlier in USA with outlandish remarks. In reality
the Prime Minister represents the country hence his personality and out- reach reflects
the mood of the nation as such. The
outburst and flak of the political rivals of Prime Minister, who was once
loathed, is understandable, but the enthusiasm and cheer displayed by Indian Diaspora
in foreign lands is unprecedented. A decade long subservience and meekness had
pushed India into an arena of debilitation. India has been reeking under the burden
of conflicting relationships with all its immediate neighbours. Our economy and
even citizens withered under the diffident leadership of UPA regime.
Post-Independence India with its vast resources and huge
demographic dividend grossly underperformed relative to its potential due to
ludicrous socialist policies. As a result large number of Indians migrated
abroad to greener pastures for economic reasons, predominantly in 1960s to the West
and Gulf Nations. People who dragged their feet against distressing economic conditions
were treated disdainfully at home. However, by wooing NRIs Modi has
successfully annihilated the guilt-tripping the Diaspora. He strategically utilised
the platform, both at Madison Square Garden and the Allphones Arena in Syndey
to convince Indian Diaspora to invest in India. Till now Indian leadership had
failed to garner the interest evinced by Diaspora to give back to their roots.
Modi aroused their interest in development of motherland and commended the hard-work
and determination in rebuilding their lives abroad.
If Indian Diaspora spread across nearly 183 countries, intends
to generously invest wealth and expertise for the progress of India, it growth
run can gain real momentum. China’s transformation too was heralded by its Diaspora
abroad. In the 21st century the process of nation building is no
longer the predicament of government, people have to spear head it. Modi
through his exemplary oratory won the hearts of the Diaspora yearning for a
developed nation tag to India. But the exuberant oratory has to be followed up
with actions to substantially root Diaspora’s inclination to invest in India.
Astounding welcome extended in the US and Australia indicates
that Diaspora takes special pride in welcoming their leaders in foreign lands to
showcase their belongingness and affinity towards their roots in India. Modi
has been successful in presenting himself as a dynamic and endearing
personality whom NRIs began idolising. The final leg of Modi’s ten- day tour
which included a visit to Fiji, an island in Pacific Ocean was of special
importance. Almost 37% of the population
of the island is constituted by Indians who migrated 109 years back. Their
unflinching belongingness towards their roots received a major fillip with his
visit. Romancing with PIOs and NRIs cannot
be dismissed as publicity stunt for it helped in amassing Diaspora’s spirit of
connectivity to motherland. The burgeoning popularity of Modi can be attributed
to his ebullient personality and astute leadership which enthralled the
Diaspora.
In a bid to facilitate the investments of Diasporas Modi
promised visa upon arrival, and also pushed for a reduction in the remittances
costs of non-residents at the G-20 summit. Subsequently G-20 has pledged to slash the
cost of transferring remittances to 5%. Remittance flows help India to drive
strong with sustainable and balanced growth. Besides, the investment climate in
India must improve and economic reforms which render domestic policy liberal
and transparent must be in place. According to a World Bank estimate more than
215 million people live outside their country of birth and most of them send
back money back home. In 2013, India received whopping $70 billion remittances from
its Diasporas. Meanwhile, curious Modi supporters are eagerly waiting for
another bash at Wembley Stadium next year. For BJP vaulting high on Modi’s oratory may no
longer drive crowds in foreign land until Diaspora are really convinced of his
commitment until substantial change is
reflected in his economic reforms.
Further won’t it be more prudent if netas and media persons refrain from scanning every issue through a
political angle? On the other hand the iconic trip to Myanmar, Australia and
Fiji can be reckoned as an attempt by affirmative Indian leadership to reclaim
its status on the World Platform. Against the looming dragon influence over the
trans-Pacific and South East Asian Region, India should indeed aggressively
pursue its strategic interests by warming up to its neighbours and rejuvenating
old ties with other nations.
@ Copyrights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment