In his maiden US visit, Indian PM Narendra Modi creates a stir at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a rousing speech at the Madsion Square Garden (MSG) in New York on Sunday morning, September 29, 2014. The PM, who was elected to office after a thumping victory in the Indian general elections in May 2014, delivered his speech to 18,000 people at the venue.
The Indian premier is on his first ever official United States tour and also spoke at the United Nations General Assembly a day before – September 28, 2014.
The whole of MSG was galvanized in Indian fervor and anticipation as thousands of Indian Americans all visibly dressed in the nation’s traditional attire waited to listen to Mr. Modi’s speech.
The gala event kicked off in style and festivity as a group of dancers performed on famous numbers Indian and international. The crowd roared chants of the man – “Modi, modi modi!”.
Nina Davuluri – first ever Miss America of Indian origin – was the Emcee for the ceremony, while famous Indian classical singer Kavita Krishnamurthy performed her eternal hit – I Love My India.
Thanking all the attendees and supporters at the event, the PM said, “You have given me a lot of love, “This kind of love has never been given to any Indian leader, ever. I’m very grateful to you. And I will repay that loan by forming the India of your dreams.”
The 64-year-old PM tapered his speech to suit the audience that was pre-dominantly NRI (Non-resident Indians), he thanked the Indian community in the US for having altered the image of India “from a land of snake charmers”.
Scores of American officials, including senators walked up on the dais to shake hands with the man, all the proceedings went off smoothly apart from a group of members from the Alliance for Justice and Accountability who were holding a protest outside the venue.
Photo Credits – Bollywood Garam
