PM charms diaspora in Sydney

Addressing a huge gathering of more than 16,000 enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora at the Allphones Arena at Olympic Park, Sydney, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the respect and ovation that he was getting in Australia to the Indian people. "This welcome, this respect, this enthusiasm I dedicate it to the people of India. These incredible scenes and this massive reception in Sydney will galvanize India," said the prime minister. The prime minister lamented that "it took 28 years for (an Indian prime minister) to come here."
In what seemed like a repeat of the rock star reception he received at the Madison Square Garden in New York, Modi was greeted by wild applause from a 16,000 strong-crowd throughout his speech. Prime Minister Modi pointed out that although it takes just one day to come to Australia, it had taken a prime minister of India 28 long years to arrive, and promised that it would never happen again. He also explained that had it not been for democracy he would not have been present at the Allphones Arena today.
Modi announced that his government was working to facilitate visa-on-arrival for Australian tourists and said the PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status would be merged ahead of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to be held from January 7 in Ahmedabad.
Modi said that he felt fortunate to be the first Prime Minister of India who was born in independent India, and hence, felt a greater responsibility.
"We must pledge that we will live for the country and we will struggle for the country. We did not get the opportunity to die for the nation or spend our youth in jail. But we can surely live for the nation, that is something that everyone has the opportunity to do," he said. Modi also said that it was his good fortune to be the first Indian prime minister to be born post-Independence.
In his address, Modi said over 71 million bank accounts have been opened through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana so far in the villages in India and the money deposited amounts to Rs 50 billion. Modi also invited the Indian diaspora in Australia to participate in the Swachch Bharat campaign.
The prime minister said cleanliness is an area where his government is focusing. "Dirt attracts illness and the poor man suffers, due to which work days are lost and monetarily too.. I invite your participation in the drive," he said, as the crowd chanted "Modi, Modi".
Modi also urged the diaspora to build at least one toilet in the village of their origin in India. He expressed admiration for the dignity of labour he has witnessed in Australia. "When I came earlier to Australia many would ask what have you learnt from Australia - and that is dignity of labour," he said. He said in Australia people speak with the same respect to a doctor as with a driver. He mentioned how on weekends a research scientist works as a driver to earn money. "This dignity of labour is something to learn from," he added. He said he wanted to give the same message of dignity of labour through the Swachch Bharat campaign.
Giving an example, he said in India the garbage collector is called the "kachchra wala". "But he in reality is removing the filth... our mentality needs to change." He said that today people, including industrialists, are participating in the clean India mission. "I salute them." He added that on Mahatma Gandhi's 150th anniversary in 2019 - "the least we can do for Mahatma Gandhi is have a clean India."
India, Australia target free trade pact, economic boost: Australia and India will push for a free trade pact, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Modi said on Tuesday during a rare state visit to Canberra by an Indian leader. Trade between Australia and India stands at around $15 billion a year, or just a tenth of that between Australia and China.
"We want to go further and that's why the next priority for Australia is a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India," Abbott said. "If I may say so, this is a moment in time. This is the time to get this done." Modi, in an address to Australia's parliament, pledged greater cooperation on regional security, issuing a veiled swipe at China over disputes with its neighbours over islands in the South China Sea.
Sign social security pact: India and Australia on Tuesday signed a bilateral agreement on social security, which aims to strengthen people-to-people contacts, facilitate and regulate regulations between the two countries with respect to social security benefits and coverage. The agreement was signed between Indian High Commissioner in Australia Biren Nanda and Australian Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews. The agreement will provide for social security and superannuation benefits for those who have been residents of the other country on basis of equality of benefit, export of benefits and avoidance of double coverage.