India will emerge as superpower, not only because it has the potential, but because it has spirituality and values that define a Vishwa Guru — world leader. India can establish its authority not by force, but by rightfulness and compassion, said vice president of Suriname, Michael Ashwin Adhin, who delivered the keynote address during the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in Bengaluru on Saturday.
On the first day of the three-day global event, the IT city geared up to host 7,200 delegates from across 72 countries. Reminding the diaspora youth of their role in transforming India, Adhin asserted that any contribution should be mutually beneficial. Despite development in banking and finance, politics and technology, drifting away from Indian philosophy of human unity, brotherhood and a world free of conflict had fostered inequalities.
“It is time for emergence of new states. Suriname is a small country, but one of the 20 richest countries as natural resources like gold, bauxite and crude oil are in abundance. Monopoly in businesses, scientific development and minerals should be reduced and rise of new nations should be encouraged. Artificial scarcity should end and technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics should ensure low-cost of living,” said Adhin, also recalling the journey of four generations of Indians living in Suriname and the cultural ethos they continue to take pride in.
Karnataka industries minister R.V. Deshpande exhorted the Indian diaspora to invent, innovate and invest in Karnataka. “Bengaluru is the startup capital of India and the young Indian diaspora should engage with the Indian states. India will be the youngest nation by 2025 and we must benefit from the demographic dividend. Our youth should not forget character and integrity as they propel development. The equation that emigration leads to brain drain is no longer true as technological advancement has made sharing of knowledge and technology much easier. The diaspora has not just fueled economic growth, but helped achieve intangibles like good will, global leverage and peace and harmony,” said Deshpande.
Vijay Goel, minister of state for youth affairs and sports, called upon the youth to be socially and culturally aware. “Our young Indian diaspora, from Sundar Pichai to Nikki Haley, have made India proud. 30 young men and women from Indian diaspora figure in the Forbes magazine as super achievers for being gamechangers in healthcare, finance, manufacturing and sports. Indian government has responded well during crises in Yemen, Iraq or Nepal, sending out a strong message that India stands with Indians where ever they are. The challenge is to make our diaspora culturally aware. I have converted an old Haveli in Sonipat into a village museum and one in Chandni Chowk in Delhi too. I welcome everyone to take up social projects and adopt a monument. This adds value to Indian cultural heritage and also generates jobs by boosting tourism,” said Goel, adding that sports too needed focus and a taskforce to broadbase sports would ensure excellence and good governance.
India is a nation on the move, said minister of state for external affairs General V.K Singh (Retired) adding that it was because of the energy to the youth. “The 4Ts – talent, technology, training and team work can build a promising ecosystem for growth. Knowing India Programme (quiz) for the young Indian diaspora was mooted by PM Narendra Modi to help them get a flavour of India. It elicited a huge response,” said Singh.