The Indian diaspora in Delaware abuzzed with excitement as they welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chants of “Modi, Modi” filled the air near the Philadelphia International Airport and the Hotel Dupont as community members gathered from across the US to meet the Indian leader.
PM Modi’s arrival marks a significant moment for the diaspora, many of whom expressed their admiration and anticipation.”We live in the US as the cultural ambassadors of PM Modi ji…We want to make India proud by following his guidance,” a supporter shared outside the airport. Dr Avinash Gupta, president of the federation of Indian associations, echoed these sentiments, noting the positive impact of Modi’s visit on US-India relations.
Key takeaways from PM Modi’s address
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM PM Modi captivated the audience with messages of unity, pride, and optimism. He began by acknowledging the global reach of Indian culture, stating: “‘Ab apna Namaste bhi multinational ho gya hai, local se global ho gya’” (Our Namaste has gone multinational, from local to global).
In a heartfelt acknowledgment of the diaspora’s contribution, PM Modi said: “Your love is my good fortune… I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora. I understood it even when I held no official position…For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you ‘Rashtradoot’ (ambassadors of the nation).” He praised the diaspora’s role in strengthening ties between India and the US, saying, “You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched.”
PM Modi further emphasized the deep connection the Indian community maintains with their homeland: “You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins.”
PM Modi underscored India’s unity in diversity, saying: “We belong to a country where there are dozens of languages and dialogues, all faiths and religions of the world, and yet we are moving forward united.”
In one of the standout moments of the speech, PM Modi humorously redefined the term AI: “For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new ‘AI’ power of the world.” He went on to say: “I salute the Indian diaspora here.”
Reflecting on his meeting with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi shared, “US President Joe Biden invited me to his home, this was an honour for 140 crore Indians. Wherever I go in the world, every leader praises the Indian diaspora. 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 people.”
Looking ahead to the year 2024, PM Modi remarked, “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 celebration of democracy.”
He reflected on India’s recent elections, noting: “The elections that were just held in India were the biggest elections held so far in human history. We had almost double the number of voters than the total population of America. When we see this scale of Indian democracy we feel even more proud.”
PM Modi also spoke about his vision for India’s future, saying, “You may remember this word ‘Pushp’ which means flower, I define it as ‘P’ for progressive Bharat, ‘U’ for unstoppable Bharat, ‘S’ for spiritual Bharat, ‘H’ for humanity first which India has dedicated itself to and ‘P’ for prosperous India…All five petals of ‘Pushp’ or the flower which will make Viksit Bharat (developed India).”
In a reflection on the mandate his government has received, PM Modi said, “After a long process of election, this time something unprecedented has happened in India… For the third consecutive time, our government has returned to power. Such a thing didn’t happen in the last 60 years. This mandate of the people of India has great importance. In this third term, we have to achieve big targets.”
He concluded his speech with a message of service to the nation: “We could not contribute in the fight for Swaraj as we were born after 1947, but I have pledged my whole life for Suraj. We could not die for the country but we must live for it.”
Strengthening US-India relations
During his visit, PM Modi met with US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, an invitation he said honored the 140 crore Indians he represents. He also highlighted the broader importance of 2024, noting it is a year of both conflict and democratic celebration worldwide, with India and the US at the forefront of this democratic spirit.
Modi’s speech reflected on India’s recent elections, celebrating them as the largest in human history, with nearly twice the number of voters as the total population of the US.
Security tightened for New York rally
In anticipation of Modi’s address, security was significantly ramped up at Nassau Coliseum. Local, state, and federal law enforcement collaborated to ensure the Prime Minister’s safety, with extensive screening processes in place for attendees. The venue was fenced off, and entry points were heavily guarded. Bomb-sniffing dogs and mounted officers patrolled the area as law enforcement ensured that potential protestors remained far from the event site.
PM Modi’s three-day US visit also includes participation in the Quad Summit alongside leaders from the US, Australia, and Japan, where they will focus on regional security and development goals in the Indo-Pacific.
PM Modi’s arrival marks a significant moment for the diaspora, many of whom expressed their admiration and anticipation.”We live in the US as the cultural ambassadors of PM Modi ji…We want to make India proud by following his guidance,” a supporter shared outside the airport. Dr Avinash Gupta, president of the federation of Indian associations, echoed these sentiments, noting the positive impact of Modi’s visit on US-India relations.
Key takeaways from PM Modi’s address
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM PM Modi captivated the audience with messages of unity, pride, and optimism. He began by acknowledging the global reach of Indian culture, stating: “‘Ab apna Namaste bhi multinational ho gya hai, local se global ho gya’” (Our Namaste has gone multinational, from local to global).
In a heartfelt acknowledgment of the diaspora’s contribution, PM Modi said: “Your love is my good fortune… I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora. I understood it even when I held no official position…For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you ‘Rashtradoot’ (ambassadors of the nation).” He praised the diaspora’s role in strengthening ties between India and the US, saying, “You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched.”
PM Modi further emphasized the deep connection the Indian community maintains with their homeland: “You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins.”
PM Modi underscored India’s unity in diversity, saying: “We belong to a country where there are dozens of languages and dialogues, all faiths and religions of the world, and yet we are moving forward united.”
In one of the standout moments of the speech, PM Modi humorously redefined the term AI: “For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new ‘AI’ power of the world.” He went on to say: “I salute the Indian diaspora here.”
Reflecting on his meeting with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi shared, “US President Joe Biden invited me to his home, this was an honour for 140 crore Indians. Wherever I go in the world, every leader praises the Indian diaspora. 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 people.”
Looking ahead to the year 2024, PM Modi remarked, “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 celebration of democracy.”
He reflected on India’s recent elections, noting: “The elections that were just held in India were the biggest elections held so far in human history. We had almost double the number of voters than the total population of America. When we see this scale of Indian democracy we feel even more proud.”
PM Modi also spoke about his vision for India’s future, saying, “You may remember this word ‘Pushp’ which means flower, I define it as ‘P’ for progressive Bharat, ‘U’ for unstoppable Bharat, ‘S’ for spiritual Bharat, ‘H’ for humanity first which India has dedicated itself to and ‘P’ for prosperous India…All five petals of ‘Pushp’ or the flower which will make Viksit Bharat (developed India).”
In a reflection on the mandate his government has received, PM Modi said, “After a long process of election, this time something unprecedented has happened in India… For the third consecutive time, our government has returned to power. Such a thing didn’t happen in the last 60 years. This mandate of the people of India has great importance. In this third term, we have to achieve big targets.”
He concluded his speech with a message of service to the nation: “We could not contribute in the fight for Swaraj as we were born after 1947, but I have pledged my whole life for Suraj. We could not die for the country but we must live for it.”
Strengthening US-India relations
During his visit, PM Modi met with US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, an invitation he said honored the 140 crore Indians he represents. He also highlighted the broader importance of 2024, noting it is a year of both conflict and democratic celebration worldwide, with India and the US at the forefront of this democratic spirit.
Modi’s speech reflected on India’s recent elections, celebrating them as the largest in human history, with nearly twice the number of voters as the total population of the US.
Security tightened for New York rally
In anticipation of Modi’s address, security was significantly ramped up at Nassau Coliseum. Local, state, and federal law enforcement collaborated to ensure the Prime Minister’s safety, with extensive screening processes in place for attendees. The venue was fenced off, and entry points were heavily guarded. Bomb-sniffing dogs and mounted officers patrolled the area as law enforcement ensured that potential protestors remained far from the event site.
PM Modi’s three-day US visit also includes participation in the Quad Summit alongside leaders from the US, Australia, and Japan, where they will focus on regional security and development goals in the Indo-Pacific.
Source : Times of India
