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This story is from July 9, 2016

South Africa transformed Mohandas into Mahatma: PM Modi tells Indian community in Johannesburg

South Africa transformed Mohandas into a Mahatma: PM Modi
Key Highlights
  • Prime Minister Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Johannesburg on Friday
  • South Africa transformed Mohandas into Mahatma, PM said in his speech
JOHANNESBURG/NEW DELHI: "South Africa transformed Mohandas into Mahatma," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said addressing the Indian diaspora in Johannesburg on Friday.
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi and South Africa's peace champion Nelson Mandela, PM Modi said that South Africa is the land of Mandela and the karmabhoomi of Mahatma Gandhi.
PM Modi, in his speech, also highlighted the strengthening bilateral ties of the two countries and how they have similar challenges and limitations that need to be overcome together.

He also talked about the rising grandeur of Indian economy and how the two countries which are both relatively new and have huge demographic responsibilities should skill the youth to become the engine of the society. Talking about India's growth over the last few years, PM said, “India’s success story can be defined with the help of acronym HOPE, where H stands for Harmony, O for Optimism, P for Potential and E for Energy.
Modi told the Indian diaspora here that India is "one of the brightest spot in the global economy" and a "land of opportunities" for those who want to invest and have trade.
Modi said his government is working in a campaign mode to create 500 million new jobs by 2022 besides transforming rural and urban areas of the country through infrastructure development.
"While the world is marked by slowdown, India has registered a growth of 7.6 per cent this year and we are working to grow even at 8 per cent in the years ahead," he said addressing an estimated gathering of 11,000 members of the Indian diaspora.

Modi, wearing a 'Madiba' shirt identified with anti- apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, said India's dynamism is not about mere words but it is driven by concrete action.
"It (dynamism) is defined by our commitment to change the face of the Indian economy. Not just through sustained rapid economic growth but through multiple transformations that aim to uplift," the Prime Minister said.
He said his government wants enterprises to flourish, businesses to grow and the country to rise. "For this, we are already shaping a policy framework that strengthens India's ability to build trade, manufacturing, innovation and investment partnerships with other countries in the world," he added.
Modi said his intent was to ensure that the 800 million youth of India should fulfill the dreams, not only of India but the global demand.
Seeking to strike a chord, Modi said as South Africa works for its economic prosperity, safety and security, it will find in India a "trusted and reliable partner".
He said both India and South Africa face similar challenges and India is ready to join this country in its endavours.
The speech covered a range of topics from apartheid to the two countries' love for cricket. It was received amid applause and cheer by the Indian community. "Our support may be for different cricket teams but our common heritage makes sure we remain connected in hearts & minds," the PM said.
India and South Africa signed four agreements on Friday following bilateral discussions led by Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma.
Following the diaspora rally, the Prime Minister will leave for Durban where his engagements are scheduled for Saturday.
Modi arrived in South Africa from Mozambique on Thursday night on the second leg of his four-nation tour of Africa.
This is his first visit to mainland Africa and is also the first prime ministerial visit from India to South Africa since then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in 2013 for the G20 summit in Durban.
Apart from Mozambique and South Africa, Modi will also visit Tanzania and Kenya.
(With inputs from agencies)
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