New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Indian diaspora on the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas’, saying the community has distinguished itself all over the world and has excelled in different spheres.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is observed on January 9 every year to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in India’s development. It was on January 9 in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi had returned to India from South Africa to lead its freedom struggle.
Modi tweeted, “Greetings to everyone, especially the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Our diaspora has distinguished itself all over the world and has excelled in different spheres. At the same time, they have remained connected to their roots. We are proud of their accomplishments.”
Meanwhile Narendra Modi announced on Sunday that December 26 starting this year will be observed as “Veer Baal Diwas” as a tribute to the 10th Sikh guru Gobind Singh’s four sons who were executed by the Mughals.
Modi’s announcement came on the day of the birth anniversary of the Sikh guru.
This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the “sahibzades” and their quest for justice, he tweeted.
He said, “Veer Baal Diwas will be on the same day Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall. These two greats preferred death instead of deviating from the noble principles of Dharma”.
“The bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the 4 Sahibzades give strength to millions of people. They never bowed to injustice. They envisioned a world that is inclusive and harmonious. It is the need of the hour for more people to know about them,” he said.
The Modi government has been taking a number of measures to reach out to the Sikhs, a community which was perceived to be upset with the ruling BJP after three farm reform laws were enacted.
The prime minister recently announced the repeal of the laws.
