PM Modi stressed on the similarities and familiarities between India and Thailand and won the hearts of Indians in Thailand during the event Sawasdee PM Modi in Bangkok
Bangkok: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Thailand. He addressed the Indian diaspora at the ‘Sawasdee PM Modi’ community event in Bangkok today. PM Modi is in Thailand to attend ASEAN-India summit.
He received a hearty welcome from the large crowd of Indians, who were waiting for the Indian PM's arrival at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.
Addressing the Indian community in Bangkok, PM Modi said, "I am in Thailand, among you today. But I don't feel that I am in a foreign land. The ambience, the attire, everything here makes me feel at home."
He looked every bit Swadesi at the Sawasdee PM Modi event and said, "The affinity, the royal family of Thailand has for India, symbolises our deep friendly and historical relations. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is an expert in Sanskrit language and has a deep interest in the culture."
On the occasion, PM Modi also released a commemorative coin marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. He also released a Thai translation of Tamil classic 'Tirukkural', at the event.
Modi further said, "The relation between India and Thailand is not because of any particular government; no single govt can be credited for this relation. Every moment shared between two countries in the past has built and strengthened this relation."
PM Modi also quoted from Thiruvalluvar in Tamil and said, "A hard working man invests in welfare of others."
"The spirit of India remains alive among Indians, wherever they are in the world. I feel happy and proud to see it. I feel proud when leaders of other countries praise the hard work and discipline of Indians," he added.
"India and Thailand are very close to each other not only on the basis of language, but also because of the sentiments. You told me 'Sawasdee Modi', this has a connection with the Sanskrit word 'Swasti', which means welfare," he said.
PM Modi invoked the landmark decision of scrapping Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi received standing ovation when he mentioned the historic decision of abrogating Article 370. "This decision is resonating globally," he said. While sharing the vision for new India, he said that his government won by a larger mandate than 2014 and that 130 crore Indians chose "growth". He also spoke about the growing need to fight terror and separatism.
India is working towards turning into a $ 5 trillion economy. "We are encouraging innovative minds. The country is working on space technology, bio-technology, and more. Research and development department is always given all the support and impetus," the Prime Minister added.
"1,000 students from Asean countries can pursue post-doctoral fellowhip in IITs. North East India is being developed as a gateway to South East Asia, as part of India's Act East policy," PM Modi said.
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