On the occasion of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a significant event was marked by the release of a coffee table book entitled “Modi India Calling – 2021”. This publication showcases various aspects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagements and interactions on the international stage.
Release of “Modi India Calling – 2021”
“Modi India Calling – 2021” is a comprehensive coffee table book that captures the essence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence and diplomacy during his numerous international trips. The book features a collection of photographs taken during his “107 overseas and bilateral visits”. It serves as a visual record of the Prime Minister’s efforts to bolster India’s global image and foster international relations.
The brainchild behind this publication is BJP leader Vijay Jolly. The book was unveiled by Adesh Gupta, the Delhi BJP president, reflecting the party’s appreciation and celebration of Modi’s global outreach. Spanning across 450 pages, the book comprises thousands of photographs, offering readers a glimpse into the diverse contexts and moments of the Prime Minister’s travels.
Vijay Jolly expressed his broader vision for such publications by sharing his desire to create similar books focusing on other prominent Indian politicians like Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This suggests an initiative to document and present the diplomatic journeys of India’s political figures through a visual medium.
The Significance of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
The 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas holds great importance as it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on January 9. This year’s edition of the event was conducted virtually, with the President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, gracing the occasion as the chief guest. The theme for the event, “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India), emphasizes the role of the Indian diaspora in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance and economic resilience.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated biennially on January 9 to commemorate the day Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, returned to India from South Africa in 1915. This day is a tribute to the Non-Resident Indian community’s contributions to India’s development and serves as a platform for the government to engage with the Indian diaspora on various levels. The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was observed in 2003, and since then, it has become a key event for recognizing the achievements and fostering connections with the overseas Indian community.
Through the release of “Modi India Calling – 2021” at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the narrative of India’s evolving foreign policy and the pivotal role played by its Prime Minister in shaping international relations is documented and celebrated. The event and the book together highlight the continued efforts to engage the global Indian community in the nation’s progress and aspirations.
