Celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impactful leadership over the last decade, the Thai-Indian Community has recognized India’s evolution into a formidable force on the global stage. Under PM Modi’s guidance, India has not only become a prominent player in the Indo-Pacific region but has also fortified the age-old religious and cultural connections with Thailand, highlighted by the significant act of transferring Lord Buddha’s sacred relics to the country. This gesture was particularly appreciated during the Sadhbhavana event, organized in Bangkok by the Indian Minorities Foundation, which saw participation from a diverse group of the Indian diaspora, including distinguished businessmen, professionals, students, and academics. The event was chaired by Satnam Singh Sandhu, a Member of Parliament, Convener of the Indian Minorities Foundation, and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, alongside members of the Indian community abroad.
The theme of the Sadhbhavana event, “Role of Thai-Indian Community for Building a Resilient Indo-Pacific Future,” emphasized the community’s view of PM Modi as a leader fostering a vision for a free, open, and inclusive future for Indo-Pacific nations. His policies have been lauded for promoting peace and stability in the region, free from dominance. Among the attendees were notable figures such as Satnam Singh Sandhu, Rajya Sabha MP and IMF Convener, Prof Himani Sood, co-founder of the IMF, along with other respected academicians, business leaders, and members of the Thai-Indian community, encompassing Punjabis, Buddhists, Hindus, and Dawoodi Bohra Muslims.
The community also reflected on the strengthened relationship between Thailand and India since PM Modi’s announcement to continue and expand the Look East policy to the Act East policy, noting the geopolitical significance of the shared strategic maritime border amidst China’s growing influence in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. The Buddhist community expressed their gratitude towards PM Modi for the Buddha relics’ transfer, viewing it as a testament to the Modi government’s policy and the profound religious and cultural ties between India and Thailand. PM Modi’s advocacy for global peace and conflict resolution through Buddhist principles at the United Nations was also praised.
The Hindu Diaspora celebrated the construction and consecration of the long-awaited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, seeing it as a manifestation of PM Modi’s commitment to preserving heritage alongside development. This act has endeared PM Modi to Hindus worldwide, ending the prolonged anticipation for the temple’s construction.
Furthermore, the Indian diaspora highlighted India’s remarkable economic growth under PM Modi’s leadership, positioning the nation as the fastest-growing economy globally. His leadership has significantly enhanced the pride, self-esteem, and confidence of Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin, aligning them with a prospering India.
Expressing deepest gratitude to PM Modi for conferring upon him with Padma Shree Award – India’s highest civilian award, for his remarkable contribution in promotion of Sanskrit studies in Thailand, Dr Chirapat Prapandvidya, Director, Sanskrit Studies Centre in Silpakorn University in Thailand said, “India and Thailand share cultural relations for a long time. Sanskrit language is the essence of Indian philosophy and by knowing Sanskrit one can understand India deeply. PM Modi has a great vision to recognize and honor people who promote rich Indian culture. Indian culture has a great influence on Southeast Asian nations. It is the soft power that pm Modi had envisioned that is bringing people from different regions together through culture.”
“PM Modi has established supremacy in soft power in SouthEast Asia and Asia in particular. Today, under leadership of PM Modi, India has emerged as one of the strongest blocs not just in Asia but in the entire world. Modi has emerged as one of the strongest leaders of the world and the policy of Vishwa Guru, I think he can achieve that. I wish him that he wins the next election in India.”
Papnil Thakur, President Indian Association Thailand, “The Indian Diaspora in Thailand is living since the 18th century, and they have contributed bug time in the development of the nation. During the last 10 years, both the countries have come closer in terms of bilateral trade and relations by partnering each other at global level. The trade between the two countries have doubled which shows that the Indo-Thai bond have enhanced to a next level. The Act in East Policy has brought India closer to the Indo-Pacific Nations and now India under the leadership of PM Modi is raising their issues at a global level. Moreover, students from Thailand have always considered India as their second home, and the number of students going to India for higher education has increased during the last 10 years. Prime Minister Modi has taken the Hindu values to the world through Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. The strong leadership of PM Modi has reconnected today’s generation with the centuries-old Civilizations and religious traditions and values.”
Rajya Sabha MP, IMF Convenor & Chancellor Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enhancing India’s global image and relations over the past decade, especially with Thailand. He said, “Indo-Thai relations have strengthened like never before due to the visionary leadership and initiatives of PM Modi. The bilateral trade witnessed a two-fold increase from USD 9 Billion in 2013-14 to USD 17.7 Billion in 2022. Additionally, India emerged as the ‘Voice of the Global South’ during the G-20 Summit for addressing their regional concerns effectively. Recently, PM Modi’s gesture of sending holy relics of Lord Buddha to Thailand, as a goodwill gesture, and advocation of peace, harmony and respect for the Buddhist community worldwide.”
Sandhu added, “Under PM Modi’s leadership, Bharat is undergoing a massive transformation like never before. Over the past decade, India has become a land of reforms, propelling our nation into the top five economies globally. PM Modi has given every India a new vision of Viksit Bharat to be achieved by 2047, and the Indian Diaspora residing across the world has to actively contribute towards realizing this vision. Particularly, the Indian community in Thailand has consistently played a significant role in enhancing bilateral relations and is contributing to India’s progress towards its transformation into a developed nation.”
Assistant Professor at Mahamakut Buddhist University Isan Campus, Thailand, while expressing gratitude towards PM Modi said, “It’s an honor to represent the Thai Community, Sangha, Government, and people in paying homage to Lord Buddha and his disciples’ relics. This occasion marks a significant moment for Thailand, as it welcomes Lord Buddha’s relics after 13 years, offering a rare and invaluable opportunity for those unable to visit the Buddhist holy sites in India. The Thai people deeply appreciate the decision made by the Indian Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to send these relics to Thailand.”
He added, “PM Modi has genuine care and affection not only for the people of his own country but for people worldwide. In return, Buddhists hold a deep admiration for Prime Minister Modi and pray for Lord Buddha’s blessings upon him, hoping that he continues to show love and kindness to all. All Buddhists, including myself, are Modi Ka Parivaar.” He further highlighted the utmost significance of the Sadhbhavana event in strengthening the already strong Indo-Thai cultural ties. Even the Buddhism religion followed in Thailand originated in India. The influence of Indian culture is evident in Thai culture, particularly in terms of the Sanskrit language that we got from India.
Satvinder Pal Singh, member of Punjabi Community in Thailand, said “Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered into a new era of progress and prosperity. India has transformed into the 5th largest economy in just 10 years from being 10th largest in 2014. Notably, India today is looked up to as a leader for providing strong solutions for various global challenges. The India Diaspora in Thailand is extremely thankful to PM Modi for the inclusive development for all Indians without any discrimination, while also making sure that India shines at the global level.”
Jushad Arif, a resident of Thailand and member of Dawoodi Bohra Community said, “Dawoodi Bohra Community is deeply impressed with PM Modi; he is the only Prime Minister in India who has promoted the cause of Minorities especially Dawoodi Bohra community. Wherever PM Modi goes – be it London, Dubai, USA or any part of the world, he always gets a grand welcome from our community and Dawoodi Bohras feel at home in PM Modi’s presence. He is one of the greatest leaders we have. Minorities are safe, which we have ourselves experienced during visits to India.”
Sonia, a student in Thailand who originally hails from Punjab said, “PM Modi has made all of us really proud. Today, we feel the power of New India at the global level. We have started getting respect wherever we travel across the world. The global image of India has not just changed but has transformed completely under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi’s digital inclusion policy has brought about a major transformation in India and ensured a transparent system which has further resulted in good governance. The policies of PM Modi have created limitless opportunities for youth to grow.”
