PM receives warm welcome by Indian Community at Hotel Lotte Palace, in New York on September 22, 2024.
In a grand and vibrant event held at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed tens of thousands of Indian-Americans. The energy in the stadium was palpable as chants of “Modi, Modi” filled the air when the Prime Minister walked on stage to greet the audience, primarily composed of people of Indian origin.
PM Modi commenced his speech with a spirited call of “Bharat Mata ki Jai!” This traditional salute to Mother India set the tone for his address. He highlighted the global impact of Indian culture, noting how the simple greeting “Namaste” has transcended its local roots to become a global expression of respect and peace. Modi credited the Indian Diaspora for spreading these cultural values far beyond India’s borders.
The event was not just a political gathering but a celebration of Indian culture. Before the Prime Minister’s arrival, the audience enjoyed a series of cultural performances that added to the festive atmosphere. The crowd, enthusiastic and brimming with excitement, eagerly awaited Modi’s speech, which would highlight the deep ties between India and the United States.
During his address, PM Modi fondly reflected on his previous interactions with the Indian-American community, expressing gratitude for the warmth and support he consistently received from Indian-Americans across the country.
PM Modi gave a new definition of AI. He said, “One AI means Artificial Intelligence and one AI means American Indian.” Modi told the migrants.
A significant part of his speech focused on the important role that the Indian Diaspora plays in strengthening the relationship between India and the United States. Modi emphasized that Indians settled in the U.S. act as a “bridge” between the two nations. Their contributions, he said, have enriched the American fabric and helped build a stronger bond between the world’s largest democracies.
PM Modi stated, “You all have come seven seas apart, but nothing can ever take the love of India away from your hearts and souls.”
Modi acknowledged the diversity of India, recognizing that people from various parts of the country have settled overseas, including in the U.S., where many have become citizens. However, he stressed that one unifying force binds them all—the love for India. “The sentiment that brings us all together is, ‘Bharat Mata ki…’,” he said, to which the crowd loudly responded with “Jai!” The Prime Minister continued, “This sentiment is what keeps us united, and this is our biggest strength, no matter where we go in the world.”
Modi elaborated on how this shared sentiment not only keeps the Indian Diaspora united but also contributes to their reputation as peaceful, law-abiding global citizens. He took pride in the fact that Indians living abroad are not only respected for their individual achievements but also as representatives of India’s values and culture.
Calling the Indians settled in the United States “Rashtradoot” (Ambassadors), Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt thanks to the community for the respect and recognition India has garnered in the U.S. “It is our Indian values and culture that make us One,” he said, emphasizing that despite geographical distances, the Indian spirit remains strong in every corner of the world.
PM Modi announced plans to open two new Indian consulates in the US– in Boston and Los Angeles – and a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil studies in the University of Houston. These initiatives would further strengthen the living bridge between India and its diaspora in the United States. He expressed the hope that the Indian diaspora, with its strong convening strength, would continue to play a crucial role in fostering closer ties between India and the US.
