Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York. The attendees, hailing from 42 states across the United States, gathered to welcome PM Modi as part of the “Modi and US” programme. The Prime Minister, in his address, acknowledged the love and support shown by the diaspora and shared anecdotes from his past visits to the country.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “You all have come here from faraway places; some of you are old faces, while some are new ones, and I am thankful for the love I am receiving here. This reminds me of those days when I was not even a politician and I came here to visit this place. Your love is my good fortune.”
Highlighting the Indian diaspora’s contribution, he added, “For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you ‘Rashtradoot’ [ambassadors of the nation]. You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched.”
The warmth and energy of the Indian diaspora in New York is unparalleled. Addressing a community programme. Do watch! https://t.co/ttabGnATaD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024
PM Modi emphasised the unique connection between India and the diaspora, stating, “No sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity, is in our veins.”
Speaking about India’s unity in diversity, the Prime Minister said, “We belong to a country where there are dozens of languages and dialects, all faiths and religions of the world, and yet we are moving forward united.”
Reflecting on his recent meeting with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi remarked, “Yesterday, President Biden took me to his home in Delaware. His affection was a heart-touching moment for me. That honour is of 140 crore Indians, this honour is yours, and of lakhs of Indians living here. I am grateful to President Biden and you all.”
India And America Are Together In Festival Of Democracy: PM Modi
He also addressed the upcoming elections in both India and the US, noting, “This year of 2024 is important for the entire world. On one side there is conflict and struggle between some countries, on the other side, democracy is being celebrated in many countries. India and America are together in this festival of democracy.”
The Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora’s contributions to various fields in the US, from doctors to scientists, and even linked the term “AI” to the “America-India spirit”, calling it the new “AI” power of the world.
“Wherever we (people of India) live, we contribute there a lot. In the US, you (the Indian diaspora) are contributing as doctors, scientists and other professionals. Recently, the T20I World Cup was also held here (in New York) and the US team played exceptionally, and the entire world saw the contribution of Indians here. For the world, AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. But I believe AI also represents the America-India spirit. This is the new ‘AI’ power of the world….I salute the Indian diaspora here,” he remarked.
During his address, PM Modi also reflected on India’s scale of democracy, stating, “The elections that were just held in India were the biggest elections in human history. We had almost double the number of voters than the total population of America.”
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PM Modi Coins ‘Pushp’ Acronym For ‘Viksit Bharat’
Introducing the concept of ‘Pushp’, the Prime Minister described it as an acronym for “P for Progressive Bharat, U for Unstoppable Bharat, S for Spiritual Bharat, H for Humanity First, and P for Prosperous India”. He emphasised that these five petals represent a vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
PM Modi further stated, “I am the first such Prime Minister of India who was born after Independence. Crores of Indians dedicated their lives to the Independence movement. We couldn’t die for India, but we can live for the country.”
Speaking about India’s environmental commitments, PM Modi said, “When compared to the entire world, our carbon emission is negligible. We chose the path for the green transition. It is our tradition of love for nature that guided us, and we are focusing on solar and wind energy. India is the first G20 country to achieve its Paris climate goals. We want to make every house in India a solar-powered household.”
India Is Working On Made-In-India 6G: PM Modi In New York
Highlighting India’s tech revolution, he stated, “Today, India’s 5G market is bigger than America. It has happened within two years. Now, India is working on made-in-India 6G.” He added, “That day is not far when you will see the made-in-India chip in America. This small chip will take India’s flight of Viksit Bharat to a newer height.”
In his remarks, PM Modi also pointed to the Indian tradition of sharing knowledge and resources, stating, “For India, power and potency means – knowledge is for sharing, wealth is for caring, power is for protecting.”
India To Open New Consulates In Boston And Los Angeles: PM Modi
Notably, PM Modi announced a plan to set up new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. “Last year, I declared that our govt would open a new consulate in Seattle, it has been started now. We have also sought suggestions for two new consulates. I am happy to tell you that after your suggestion, India has decided to open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles,” he said.
Addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi asserted that India is a strong voice for the Global South and a first responder in global crises. He said, “We are emerging as one of the leading voices of the Global South. At the initiation of India, the African Union was made a permanent member of the G20. Recently, when I said that ‘this is not the era of war, everyone understood its seriousness. Wherever in the world there is a crisis, India emerges as the first responder.”
The “Modi and US” event featured cultural performances, with artists showcasing traditional Indian music and dance. Performers were seen preparing for days to present ‘Yakshagana’, a traditional folk dance from Karnataka and Kerala, and ‘Parai’, a musical instrument from Tamil Nadu. Members of the Mallakhamb Federation US also performed acrobatic displays as part of the celebration.
Jagdish Sewhani, a member of the event organising committee, described the atmosphere as “Diwali-like”. “This is a historic event, with 15,000 Indian diaspora members attending from 42 states. The mayor of Nassau County is thrilled to welcome the most popular leader in India and the world,” Sewhani told news agency ANI.