Suresh Mangalgiri is a British Indian professional and General Secretary of the diaspora organisation Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party’s UK chapter (OFBJP). In this guest column for iGlobal, he shares his experience of meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently and the ways in which the UK-based diaspora continues to reinforce the living bridge between India and the UK.
As India gears up for a general election in the New Year – expected to take place between April and May 2024 – the excitement within the vast British Indian diaspora is palpable as well.
As the General Secretary of Overseas Friends of BJP’s UK chapter (OFBJP UK), I recently had the privilege to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the New Parliament building in New Delhi, with my family.
When the PM greeted me with “Suresh, kya ho raha hai [how is it going]?” I was pleasantly surprised. Our discussion about the UK and his suggestions on how the diaspora can contribute to India were truly enlightening. Prime Minister Modi’s blessings for my children and his appreciation for my daughter’s hand-painted gift were very heart-touching.
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This meeting with the Prime Minister was truly a remarkable experience – not only was it a personal milestone, but it was also a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the entire OFBJP UK team.
This encounter is a true symbol of how ordinary karyakartas (party workers) are treated, especially by the honourable Prime Minister. Being a global leader with a tight schedule, taking time out to meet and interact with karyakartas shows how the leadership values karyakartas’ contributions.
Earlier, OFBJP UK, along with members of the diaspora, had come together to celebrate BJP’s extraordinary win at the state elections. The event, attended by of over 200 people, saw diaspora members put up a spectacular cultural event and had dignitaries like Bob Blackman address the gathering.
During the lead up to India’s general election in 2019, diaspora across the UK came together to campaign for the BJP. This included dance performances and flash mobs from places like London and Manchester - videos of which went viral on social media sites like X, then twitter, and had been reposted by the PM himself.
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The enthusiasm and the influence of the diaspora definitely shows that it truly is a living bridge between the two nations.
*Info: OFBJP UK
