Indians living abroad carry democratic values forever: PM

New Delhi, May 2, (FN Agency) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Indians might live anywhere in the world for any number of generations but they carry Indianness, loyalty for India and democratic values with them forever. The Prime Minister was virtually sharing his remarks at Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre, Markham, Ontario in Canada on the occasion of inauguration of Sardar Patel’s Statue there. “Indians might live anywhere in the world for any number of generations but their Indianness and loyalty towards India never diminishes. Indians work with full dedication and integrity for the county of their domicile. The democratic values and sense of responsibility remain alive in an Indian’s heart forever,” he said. The Prime Minister said that this happens because India is not just a nation but an idea. It is also a culture, India is that higher level thought- which talks of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, the PM added. He said, elaborating on the depth of Indian ethos and values, that India does not dream of its own upliftment at the cost of the detriment of others.

“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 PM said. Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre (SMCC) is a temple and a cultural centre in Canada serving the Hindu Community of the Greater Toronto Area. The PM said that he has felt the positive impact of 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. Replica of Statue of Unity in Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre means that India’s Amrit pledges are not confined to boundaries of India. This pledge is spreading globally connecting the world, he said. The PM concluded by saying that our hard work is not just for us and welfare of entire humanity is linked with India’s progress. He called for an enhanced role of Indian diaspora in taking this message forward. Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre celebrates all major festivals and various cultural events in Canada and regularly organises religious and spiritual discourses.