New York:

In his historic address to the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York on Sunday , Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that India’s ‘Namaste’ has now become multinational, and has turned from ‘local to global’ (Ab apna Namaste bhi multinational ho gya hai, local se global ho gya).

Addressing the Indian diaspora in the US, PM Modi thanked the community for their love.

“‘Ab apna Namaste bhi multinational ho gya hai, local se global ho gya’…..Your love is my good fortune…” the Prime Minister said to cheers from the audience.

Lauding the contributions of the Indian community overseas, PM Modi said that Indians contribute to do the most no matter where they are.

He said, “Many languages but one common feeling-that feeling is for Bharat Mata and Bhartiyta…This is India’s biggest strength…”

“Whether Indians are in any country, we look to do good, we contribute the most no matter where we are,” PM Modi added.

Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day visit to the US from September 21-23. As PM Modi entered the Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island today, he greeted the Indian diaspora, with ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.

The diaspora crowd gave a standing ovation to PM Modi, as he entered the event venue, and took the stage. Talented artists from the Indian community took the stage, setting the perfect tone for PM Modi’s imminent address to the Indian diaspora in the US.

PM Modi’s address at “Modi and US” program is a historic event which is unfolding at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, as 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora gather from 42 different states to welcome the Prime Minister.

Artists from different groups have been preparing since days to showcase traditional music for the big show once the PM’s arrival.

Earlier in a post on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora and wrote, “After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes.”

PM Modi will chair key bilateral meetings in New York and attend a CEO Roundtable in addition later today.

He will also address the Summit of the Future on September 23.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New York:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he has set very ambitious goals in his third term to make the country a developed nation and asserted that India today is a land of opportunities.

“After going through this tough election process, this long election system, something unprecedented happened in India (this year). What happened… “Abkibaar Modi Sarkaar,” PM Modi said in his address to thousands of Indian Americans in New York.

“For the first time in 60 years, the people of India have given a mandate which has great significance. During my third term, I have very ambitious goals to achieve. We have to move forward with three times the strength,” he said.

PM Modi said he has dedicated his life for good governance and for a prosperous India. Observing that destiny brought him to politics, he said he had never thought of becoming a chief minister or prime minister. Over the last 10 years, people have seen this model of governance and thus have voted him to power for a third term, he added.

The prime minister was addressing a packed Nassau Veterans Coliseum with more than 13,000 Indian Americans. While the majority of them were from the New York and New Jersey area, Indian Americans came in from 40 States, organisers said. Sixty charter buses were used for transportation purposes.

Applauding the role of Indian Americans in strengthening the relationship between India and the US, he called them as India’s brand ambassadors. Referring to a Sanskrit shloka that “it is those who make sacrifices reap benefits”, the prime minister said wherever the Indian diaspora lives, they contribute to the societal and national development in every field.

In his remarks, the prime minister touched upon the celebration of democracy across the world, in particular in India and the US.

“While the elections in India are over, it’s under process in the United States. The elections that were just held in India were the biggest elections so far in human history. When we see the scale of India’s democracy, we are even more proud,” he said.

PM Modi applauded the role of Indian Americans in making the country and community proud.

“Just yesterday, President Biden took me to his home in Delaware. His affection, his warmth, it was a moment that touched my heart. This respect is for the 140 billion Indians. This respect is for you, for your achievements, for the hundreds and thousands of Indians living here,” he said and called Indian Americans as India’s brand ambassador.

He also referred to the recently concluded T-20 World Cup in the United States.

India, he said, is now aspiring to be the third largest economy of the world from the fifth position. “Today, people of India, he said, are full of self-confidence, they have resolve and determination to achieve their goal,” he said, adding development in India has now become a people’s movement.

“Every Indian has confidence in India, its achievements. India today is a land of opportunities. It’s no longer waiting for opportunities. It is now creating opportunities,” he said, adding that in just a decade 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty.

“This was possible because we changed our old way of thinking. We changed our approach. We empowered the poor,” he told the Indian Americans. It is this new middle class, which is accelerating the development of India, he said.

An entertaining cultural performance was the main highlight of the event before the prime minister arrived. The Echoes of India – A Journey Through Art and Tradition, showcased 382 nationally and internationally known artists. Prominent among them including Grammy award nominee Chandrika Tandon, STAR Voice of India winner and superstar Aishwarya Majumdar, Instagram’s Dancing Dad Ricky Pond, and singing sensation Rex DSouuza, in a seamless experience of India’s cultural diversity.

There were unique performances by 117 artists, impressing and entertaining attendees as they enter the coliseum. Organisers said more than 30 classical, folk, modern and fusion performances will pay homage to the rich and diverse cultures of India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)