Indian Diaspora May Play Greater Role In Future ‘Bharat’

An NRI often faces this dilemma when his loyalties are in question. Are you with the country, or are you against it? That’s the most uncomfortable question he needs to answer, every time an NRI voices his concern about his homeland. Because, in simple words, an NRI is often pilloried with the accusation of running away from the country, than serving it.

Consider this. The answer is never easy, assumptions are complicated and conclusions on this can never be simpler. ‘It’s complicated’ if you have to answer this question in a facebook style. Broadly classify them into categories and you can find two kinds of NRIs. One that left the country in search of greener pastures, and the other who plan to come back with all the knowledge and help the country turn better. Either way, both categories can be copies of each other, often juxtaposing, intersecting and meeting each other at strategic points.

The recent general elections changed their role in a substantial way. PM Narendra Modi, who comes from the state of Gujarat that presumably has highest population of NRIs living in various foreign countries, has always been engaging with the NRIs. Sometimes, he has made them share holders of his road to occupying the power corridors of central government. He has engaged the Indian diaspora with equal passion as he engaged the voters inland.

His journey from Gujarat CM to being the PM of the world’s biggest democracy, has been very gratifying for those people living away from their homeland, and yet yearn to do something to change the image of India. The India of aspirations and hopes is what Modi stands for.
Keeping his word, Modi during his initial days in the office, ensured most of the practical assurances he gave to his voters and supporters were acted upon. NRIs , of course, have a bigger role to play in the emerging India than ever before.

The crowd at Madison Square during his recent US visit was a testimony of his popularity even with Indians abroad. Those who left the soil for better future were hoping to hear the man, assure them their share of ‘acche din’ and engage them in a way that is gratifying for both the country and themselves.

While the diaspora as a community is cautious of the radical image that has been associated with him, NRIs as a lot are also desperate to engage with a lot of passion in the future of the country. Salvaging as a word doesn’t quite convey every emotion that’s associated with it.
There’s a tangible change in the attitude of NRIs towards their homeland. Some of them want to return home and participate in the bigger and brighter journey the country is going to undertake while the new leadership steers the nation towards a balanced growth. Economy, money, funds, and business aren’t so dirty as they used to be when India rested on the laurels of socialism smitten ideology!

During the first phase of this ‘dream’ turning into reality, PM Modi has initiated talks with many NRI scientists to woo them to return to their homeland and be partners in the success walk. ISRO’s astounding success with Mangalyaan has put India on a trajectory where the world watches its next step in the field of science with awe. Just as he is at home with his ‘Sangh’ image, Modi has always known the role research and science plays in the future of the country.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has already approached many scientists for talks that could lead to some of the brightest minds to return to bolster the image of ‘Bharat’ as much as India.

The recent slogan of ‘Make in India’ is something that puts India on center stage of things that are going to turn out in the near future.
NRI participation will be sought on all fronts, especially where revitalisation of Indian education system, reinstating of the culture that has seemingly diluted in the recent years, and put a check to the practice of mindless borrowing from western countries.

BJP-led NDA government has come at the most appropriate moment when the ‘Bharat’ will occupy the space of ‘India’ with great trade relations with the rest of the world. Mind you, focus would be a fruitful relationship that will ensure some mutual benefit.

For this, the negotiating power comes from best minds that will be urged to return home and take part in the path to progress. This way, India, the largest democracy in the world, will march towards being a country of high intellect and strategic growth. And, PM Modi will lead the march.