24 May,2024 11:36 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/AFP
A prominent Indian-American community leader has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has elevated India's global stature and bestowed a fresh identity upon the diaspora. Prem Bhandari stated that the Indian diaspora is prepared to work with India to achieve its objective of having a developed nation by 2047.
"Over the past 10 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are on the path to becoming the third-largest economy in the world before 2030' He has given the Indian diaspora a new identity," Bhandari told PTI. Bhandari, who heads Jaipur Foot USA and is the president of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), is known for helping the global Indian diaspora in distress especially those related to visas, passports and travel.
"Since 2014, expatriate Indians have been seen with respect across the world. For example, during the crisis in Ukraine, carrying the Indian flag on a bus made it easier to cross the border. Beyond recognition, the Indian community is taken seriously worldwide, whether in America or Saudi Arabia, and all credit goes to Prime Minister Modi," he said.
Observing that when the diaspora travel to India, they see the tremendous development and progress in all sectors in India, he said in the last 10 years the country has seen remarkable progress in the sector, whether it be infrastructure, roads, or new developments like bullet trains. "As someone from Rajasthan, I can confidently say that under the leadership of PM Modi, the state will develop in the field of solar energy, similar to California in the United States," he said.
When Bhandari was in India lately, he presented the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with 500 kilogrammes of laddoos. The expat community is receiving the "ladoo prasadam", which has been shipped to more than a dozen nations. "Based on my interaction with the diaspora in these countries, they all want Modi to be re-elected. I am confident that he will come back to power," he said, adding that Modi has been the most diaspora-friendly prime minister.
Even in response to concerns made on social media, the Indian government has been fixing issues for the diaspora community. He added that the prime minister's leadership was to blame for this. This is demonstrated by the Indian Consulate in New York, which recently announced that it will be open 365 days a year, including holidays.
For the diaspora facing passport renewal issues, especially those whose passports have expired due to visa violations, he urged Modi's government to ensure that every Indian, regardless of where they are, should have the right to renew their passport. 'This is something I will work on,' Bhandari said.
'We need to ensure that NRIs have the right to vote. Voting from abroad should be simplified and cost-effective. I am hopeful that Prime Minister Modi will address this, making it easier for expatriates to participate in elections without incurring excessive costs,' he said.
Bhandari said he foresees a reverse trend where major companies, especially in health and IT sectors, will relocate to India, making it a preferred destination over China. 'Modi's leadership makes this possible, and I am optimistic about India's bright future,' Bhandari said.
(With Inputs from PTI)
