Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Indians might live anywhere in the world but their loyalty toward India never diminishes.
He was addressing the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre (SMCC), Ontario, Canada on the occasion of the inauguration of Sardar Patel’s Statue there via a video message.
At the outset, the Prime Minister conveyed his greetings on Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and Gujarat Day.
He noted that he has felt the positive impact of the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre during his visits to Canada.
He remembered the affection and love of Indian-origin people during his 2015 visit, in particular.
“This statue of Sardar Patel in Sanatan Mandir will not only strengthen our cultural values but will also become a symbol of the relationship between the two countries”, the Prime Minister said.
The Loyalty of Indians towards India
Elaborating on the depth of Indian ethos and values in the diaspora, the Prime Minister said that Indians might live anywhere in the world for any number of generations but their Indianness and loyalty towards India never diminishes.
Indians, the Prime Minister said, work with full dedication and integrity for the county of their domicile and carry their democratic values and sense of duty with them.
This is because “India is not only a nation but also an idea, it is also a culture. India is that higher-level thought that talks of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam. India does not dream of its own upliftment at the cost of the detriment of others”, he said.
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The Prime Minister said that the Sanatan Mandir in Canada or any other country enriches the values of that country also.
He said that when Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is celebrated in Canada, that is a celebration of shared democratic values.
“I believe, this celebration of the Amrit Mahotsav of India’s independence will give an opportunity to the people of Canada to understand India more closely”, he added.
Somnath Temple and Statue of Unity
Calling the location and statue of Sardar Patel there a broad picture of New India, the Prime Minister said that the freedom fighters dreamt of an India that would be modern and progressive and, also, deeply connected with its thinking, philosophy, and its roots.
That is why, said the Prime Minister, in newly independent India, Sardar Patel restored the Somnath temple to commemorate the legacy of thousands of years.
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“Today, during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, we are rededicating ourselves to the pledge of creating a New India of Sardar Patel’s dream, and ‘Statue of Unity is a major inspiration in that”, the Prime Minister emphasized.
Replica of ‘Statue of Unity’ in Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre means that India’s Amrit pledges are not confined to the boundaries of India. This pledge is spreading globally connecting the world, he said.
The Global dimension of the Amrit Pledges
The Prime Minister reiterated the global dimension of the Amrit pledges and said when we talk of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, we talk of opening new possibilities for the progress of the world.
Similarly, in Yoga’s propagation, a feeling of everyone being disease-free is inherent. In issues like sustainable development and climate change, India is representing the entire humanity.
“Our hard work is not just for us. The welfare of entire humanity is linked with India’s progress”, the Prime Minister emphasized and concluded by calling for an enhanced role of the Indian diaspora in taking this message forward.