GUWAHATI, Nov 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at an event organized in his honour by the Indian community in Abuja, Nigeria and expressed happiness over the grand welcome he received with special warmth and exuberance by the Indian community. He said that the love and friendship received from the community was a huge capital to him.
Informing the gathering that it was his first visit as a Prime Minister to Nigeria, PM Modi said that he had got with him the best wishes of crores of Indians to them. He added that every Indian felt proud about the progress of the Indians in Nigeria. Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for conferring the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger award on him, PM Modi with all humility, dedicated the award to crores of Indians.
The Prime minister highlighted that during his talks with President Tinubu, the latter praised the efforts of Indians in Nigeria which made him feel proud. Citing an analogy, Prime Minister Modi said that he felt happy and proud in the same way as parents feel when their children excel in their careers. The Prime Minister underlined that the Indian diaspora here has always been with Nigeria through its thick and thin. He added that there were many Indians in Nigeria in the age group of 40 to 60 years who had been once taught by an Indian teacher. Modi also noted that there were many Indian doctors who were serving selflessly in Nigeria.
He added that there were many Indian businessmen who had established businesses and been an active part of Nigeria’s development story. The Prime Minister said that even before Independence, Shri Kishanchand Jhelaram ji had migrated to Nigeria and set up a business which had become one among the biggest business houses of Nigeria.
He added that today many Indian companies were bolstering the economy of Nigeria. PM Modi noted that the Tulsichandra foundation was lighting up many Nigerians’ lives. Lauding the Indian community for walking shoulder to shoulder in the progress of Nigeria, PM Modi said it was the biggest strength of Indians and also symbolised the culture of Indians. He added that Indians never forgot the ideal of welfare of all and always live with the belief that the entire world was one family.
PM Modi remarked that the respect earned by Indians about its culture was clearly evident everywhere. Noting that Yoga was constantly becoming popular among the people of Nigeria., he urged the Indians in Nigeria to practise Yoga regularly.
The Prime Minister also noted that there was a weekly programme on Yoga in the national television channel of Nigeria. PM Modi also noted that Hindi and Indian Films was also growing popular in Nigeria.
Concluding his address Prime Minister Modi remarked that though they may have visited India before and come many times, but this trip will become a priceless memory of their life. The Prime Minister thanked everyone for their enthusiasm and warm welcome.
