The Diaspora Connection

'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The World is Family.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised humanity and nobility as the dominant traits of India and the pinnacle of its foreign policy.

As depicted in this lovely volume, Indian expatriates around the globe act as ambassadors of Indian culture, cuisine, moral sensibility, spirituality, and ability. They are leaders in advancements in science, mathematics, business, environmental protection, and the general human condition, highlighting the accomplishments of Indians living abroad. In Chapter 17 of Igniting Collective Goodness, examples abound of Indians thinking and acting towards the betterment of their adopted countries.

'May peace prevail all around, in all the realms, in the water, in the air, in the fire, in the wind, in the medicines, in the vegetation, in gardens, in all of creation. May peace prevail in each soul, each heart, in me, in you, in every particle and everywhere in the universe,' Prime Minister Modi, quoting the Yajur Veda, Mann Ki Baat, Episode 93. This divine sentiment, expressed by the leader of the world’s largest democracy, serves as a talisman for Indians living abroad.

Ever mindful of their mother country and its spiritual roots, they continue the practice of kindness and good works throughout their lives and the lives of those they touch.

'Namaste, brothers and sisters, my name is Sedu Dembele,' comes an Indian voice from Mali. Sebu Dembele, a teacher in a public school in Kita, Mali, teaches English, music, painting, and drawing. Dembele, also known as Hindustani Babu, takes pride in every Sunday afternoon production of an hour-long radio programme titled 'Indian Frequency on Bollywood Songs.' Dembele shares his deep-seated love for India with his listeners through commentary and translations in French and Bambara. His programme has evolved into 2-hour segments featuring full-length Bollywood films.

In humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, Nepal, and most recently Gaza, India has proven itself a help to people in dire need.

As a light shining to the world, Indians across the globe celebrate Diwali understanding, 'Shubham Karoti Kalyanam, Aarogyam Dhanasampada, Shatrubuddhi Vinashaya, Deepajyoti Namostute' (It is light that ushers in joy, health, and prosperity into our lives, dispelling negative thoughts and bringing in positivity). Diwali celebrations, as well as Holi, Onam, Pongal, and Bihu, encourage an understanding of the ethos of Indian life and its value to the world at large.

The divine teachings of the Vedanta and the Gita are also inspiring the whole world. In Episode 68, PM Modi gave but one example of this phenomenon, 'I got an opportunity to know about the work of Jonas Massetti, also known as Vishwanath. Jonas teaches the Vedanta and the Gita to people in Brazil. He runs an institution named Vishwavidya, about an hour’s drive from Rio de Janeiro. …During the last seven years, through his free open courses on the Vedanta, Jonas has taught over a lakh and a half students.'

And in another corner of the globe, the PM tells us, 'A newly elected MP in New Zealand, Dr. Gaurav Sharma, took the oath of office in one of our ancient languages of the world, Sanskrit…Wherever there will be talk of world peace, India’s name and contribution will be written in golden letters.'

In episode 82, PM Modi referred to the United Nations and the role of Indian women in the body, 'In 1947-49, when the Universal Declaration of UN Human Rights was being drafted, it was inscribed in that declaration that "all men are created equal." But a delegate from India had objected to this, and then it was written in the Universal Declaration that "all human beings are created equal." This was in consonance with India’s age-old tradition of gender equality. Did you know that Smt. Hansa Mehta was the delegate because of whom this became possible? At the same time, another delegate, Smt. Lakshmi Menon, had strongly put forth her views on the issue of gender equality. And not only for this, in 1953, Smt. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit became the first woman president of the UN General Assembly.'

In December 2020 Modi announced in Mann Ki Baat that the idol of Devi Annapurna, stolen from Varanasi more than a century ago was brought back to the country by the Archaeological Survey of India. “Every Indian would feel proud to know that an ancient idol of Maa Annapurna is being brought back from Canada to India. Devi Annapurna is the Hindu Goddess of Food and Nourishment and a manifestation of the Goddess Parvati. 

The stories, shared by Prime Minister Modi, remind us of the boundless potential when humanity unites in kindness and shared purpose.