PM Modi vows to work three times harder for India in his third term

Modi lauded the Indian community in the US, "You have connected India and America. Your skills, talent and commitment know no bounds. Even though you have traveled overseas, no sea is deep enough to distance you from your motherland."

PM Modi waving to enthusiatic diaspora at the event. / Parveen Chopra

Uniondale, New York: Notwithstanding the reverses in this year's election forcing him to head a coalition government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Indian community here that his vision and programs will continue unimpeded.

“In my 3rd term, I will work three times more energy, speed and commitment” towards making India a developed nation, he said to applause from the over 13,000 people packing the Nassau Coliseum here on Sept. 22 for the Modi&US event.

To achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat, Modi laid out the ‘PUSHP’ blueprint, which stands for Progressive, Unstoppable, Skilled and Spiritual, Humanity First, and Prosperous. He said the country was already progressing rapidly because it was focusing on education, skill-building, research, and innovation.

In his over one-hour speech at noon, he also apprised the gathering of how India has become an exporter of mobiles from being an importer. He added that the day is not far when Made in India chips will be available in America.

Talking about India’s standing in the world, PM Modi said, "Today, when India says something on a global platform, the world listens. Some time ago when I said that this is not the era of war, its severity was understood by all."

Referring particularly to India helping several nations with Covid vaccines, Modi said, the country has emerged as a first responder whenever there's a crisis in the world. India is also a strong voice of the Global South.

Two new consulates

In his well-received address, Modi lauded the Indian community in the US, "You have connected India and America. Your skills, talent and commitment know no bounds. Even though you have traveled overseas, no sea is deep enough to distance you from your motherland."

He also announced two new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, a year after the opening of a consulate in Seattle.

Modi looked unruffled in his signature kurta-pajama and jacket. He had the audience eating out of his hands, often with his hits like ‘Modi ki guarantee hai’. This was his fifth rally-style event with the Indian community in America, starting with the blockbuster one in Madison Square Garden in New York in 2014.

Electric atmosphere

The Modi&US event proved yet again the PM’s popularity among the Indian diaspora.

The atmosphere inside and outside the arena was full of vibrancy and excitement as the crowd awaited his arrival. While dhols played outside, over 400 artists performed garba, mihu, folk, and Bollywood dances inside, celebrating India's rich and diverse heritage. An estimated 500 people were accommodated outside.

Popular singers who performed included Aditya Gadhvi, rapper Hanumankind, Devi Sri Prasad, Aishwariya Majumdar, Chandrika Tandon, and the twins Kiran and Nivi, who gave soulful renditions of Indian classical and Western songs.

Community enthusiasm

Jagdish Sewhani, a community leader, told New India Abroad, “We in Nassau County are proud and excited that an Indian prime minister (the most popular leader in the world), visited here. This was a non-political community event. We want Modi ji to tell us in the diaspora what we can do for Bharat. Earlier this year, Nassau County also hosted T20 World Cup matches.”

Rashmin Master, a CPA living in New York for 30 years, is all praise for Narendra Modi’s myriad accomplishments - Swachh Bharat, infrastructure development, improved security, and improved foreign relations. His wife, Kalpana Master, a pediatrician, is impressed by the economic improvement of India’s disadvantaged communities.