Modi attacks Congress over corruption invoking Rajiv Gandhi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas event

Referring to Gandhi's observation of corruption in the country, Modi said: "People must have heard what a former Prime Minister said about corruption. He had said only 15 per cent of the money sent from Delhi (central government) reaches people."

Taking a further dig at his rival party, the Prime Minister said: "He (Rajiv Gandhi) had accepted the system which his party gave the country by ruling for years."

"But the sad thing is the party did not take action even after seeing the corruption," he added.

Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the convention's 15th edition in Varanasi, which is the parliamentary constituency of the Prime Minister.

The theme of this year's convention is "the role of Indian diaspora in building New India".

The three-day convention, which began on Jan 21, will end on Wednesday.

Praising Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who is the chief guest of the convention, Modi said: "In all the countries where you live, you see in the role of leadership in almost every area of society. Mr. Pravand Jugnath ji is pursuing Mauritius with complete dedication."

"Apart from this, many countries like Portugal, Trinidad-Tobago and Ireland have also got the leadership of such capable people whose roots are in India," the Prime Minister added.

Modi has also urged the diaspora Indians to motivate at least five families around them to come to India to give boost to tourism.  

"I have also said earlier on this forum, I want to reiterate that whatever you live in the country, motivate at least 5 families around you to come to India. Your efforts will play to increase tourism in the country," said the Prime Minister who also thanked the people of Varanasi for showing incredible warmth in welcoming the people and making it their own affair. 

"Passport-related visa rules are also being simplified. The convenience of e-VISA has been saving you time and also reduced troubles. There are still steps to improve if there are any problems with it," he said.

He said in India now one can play a big role in research and development and innovation.

"The government is also trying to bring India's Start-ups and NRI mentors together, on one platform," he said.

He said many will also be familiar with how "our government has made the process of converting PIO cards into OCI cards."

Modi has also boasted on how the world's perception towards India has changed in last four years.

"In the last four years with the cooperation of all of you, India has taken a major step towards achieving its natural position in the world. The first people used to say that India can not change. We have changed this thinking. We have made changes," he said.

"The world is listening to our point of view, with our utmost seriousness," the Prime Minister added.

Modi showcased how India is emerging in diverse disciplines, be it economy or sports.

"Today India is the fastest growing economic power in the world, and even in sports we have moved towards becoming a big power," Modi said.

Days after Microsoft founder Bill Gates praised the central government's Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme, Modi said: "Today, we are heading towards becoming the world's largest start up ecosystem, the world's largest healthcare scheme, Ayushman India, is also running."

Reminding people of Make In India scheme, the Prime Minister said: 'Today our youth is making a mobile phone, car, bus, truck, train at the record level under Make in India, while there is also a record food production in the farm."