BHUBANESWAR: PM Modi Thursday delivered a powerful message to the global community, emphasising the importance of peace over conflict and India’s historical commitment to non-violence. “Bhavishya yuddh mein nehin, Buddha mein hai (The future lies not in war, but in Buddha),” he said during his inaugural address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar.
The PM referenced emperor Ashoka renouncing war and embracing Buddhism at Dhauli, near the venue of the convention commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India in 1915.
‘Our life thrives on diversity’: Modi hails diaspora for upholding values
“When the world was expanding empires by the sword, our emperor Ashoka chose the path of peace here. This is the same strength of our heritage that inspires India to tell the world today that the future lies not in war, but in Buddha (non-violence preached by him),” he said.
PM Narendra Modi praised the contributions of the diaspora, noting their role in upholding Indian social values abroad. “World representatives praise the Indian diaspora in their country. A reason for this is the social values the diaspora brings to societies there,” he said. “We are not just the mother of democracy; democracy is a part of our life. It’s our way of living. We don’t need to be taught diversity; our life thrives on diversity. That’s why wherever Indians go, they integrate with local society,” the PM said.
He urged for the documentation and preservation of the history of the diaspora, particularly Girmitiyas — indentured labourers from British India who were transported to colonies like Fiji, South Africa, Mauritius, and the Caribbean.
The PM proposed organising regular world Girmitiya conventions and commissioning academic research, films, and documentaries on their history. “Why not create a database of our Girmitiya friends, identifying the villages and cities in India they came from, and where they settled? What challenges did they face, and how did they overcome them?” he suggested, adding that he would task his team with exploring these possibilities.
Modi also underscored India’s rising international influence: “The world listens carefully to India’s voice today.” He cited India’s successful push for African Union to become a permanent G20 member as evidence of its diplomatic strength.
