Reports From ‘MODIson’ Square Garden

Sep 29, 2014 Tushita Politics 0

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When Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a crowd of 18,000 NRIs at Madison Square Garden, he made promises, raised hopes and added new fans to his fan club. The sort of response that Modi’s visit gathered at the place has put India and Indians under the limelight in the U.S.

During the launch of his ‘Make in India’ campaign, before he took off to the U.S., Mr. Modi had made an appeal to NRIs and wannabe NRIs to first give their careers a chance in their motherland and then see if they’d still want to continue to live away from India.

First sending an indirect message to boost up the spirit of investing time and energy in one’s own country and then addressing the diaspora directly, the present Indian Prime Minister surely knows how to connect with everybody at every level.

Let’s take a quick look at a few highlights from his speech of a PM knows how to get his messages across:

1. Modi made a grand entry with India’s national anthem being sung in the background by none other than Padma Shri Kavitha Krishnamurthy. As the anthem reached its closing, Modi shouted out, “Bharat Mata ki…” to which an elted crowd responded, “JAY” in unison. Modi then greeted “Navratri greetings to all Indians in America”.
2. Modi praised NRIs for bringing about an IT revolution and changing the image of India worldwide. He said, “The world no longer sees us as the land of snake charmers. Now, we play with mouse, not snakes.”
3. Speaking about the 2014 Lok Sabha poll results, in which his overseas fans supported him unequivocally, he stressed that it was after 30 years that a single party got a clear majority to rule India. He also said, “Winning elections is a responsibility. I assure the change that the people of India want.”
4. Amid applause and cheer he also added, “My government will be 100 per cent successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the people. We will not do anything which will let you down.”

This was just the beginning of the evening for the Prime Minister, after which he made some really strong commitments and positive remarks. The event was closely being watched by almost the whole world.

Smart talk:

Some of the most popular and celebrated quotes along with special features from his speech:

1. In India, democracy is not a system, it is a belief: Modi.
2. Mahatma Gandhi taught freedom to everyone and made it a people’s movement. Development should be people’s participation like how Gandhiji made freedom people’s movement: Modi.
3. Democracy, demographic dividend and demand are three unique strengths of India which will take it to new heights: Modi.
4. The will power of 1.25 crore citizens of the nation is my strength: Modi
5. India is the youngest nation in the world, India’s biggest strength is its youth’s power. There is an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm: Modi .
6. Previous governments had monopolised development, my government will jointly usher in development with public participation: Modi.
7. We have given importance to skill development, created a separate Ministry for the purpose: Modi.
8. ‘Mygov.in’ is for you people to connect with me. I request you all to look at ‘MyGov.in.’ Please visit the website and see how you can get involved: Modi.
9. While America is the oldest democracy in the world, India is the biggest democracy: Modi.
10. Modi urges NRIs to pitch in to clean the Ganga. “There is an urgent need to save Ganga”, says Modi.
11. I am a common man with small ideas. I don’t know whether it is a PM’s job, but I have decided to build toilets: Modi
12. Mahatma Gandhi never compromised on cleanliness. He gave us freedom. We should give him a Clean India: PM
13. Will ensure that every Indian owns a house by 2022: Modi.
14. India will lead 21st century world: Modi.
15. You have loved me more than any other leader: Modi.
16. Bharat Mata ki Jay: Modi

Apart from thanking Indian Americans for the rousing reception, Prime Minister Modi announced a couple of visa reforms. He announced ‘visa on arrival’ for American nationals, long term visas for US citizens and online visas.

He got a thunderous applaud as he concluded his speech on the rotating stage.

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• Barack Obama, Indian-Americans, Madison Square Garden, narendra modi, PM Modi's US visit

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