Youth will make India a superpower, says PM Modi at Madison Square Garden
New York: Addressing a rapturous crowd of NRIs here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed on Sunday that India will move ahead at a rapid pace and lead the 21st century world.
At a unique event at the Madison Square Garden in the heart of Manhattan at which some 20,000 cheering NRIs were present, Modi said that his big win in the Lok Sabha elections had come with a big responsibility for him which he would fulfil.
Listing out India's advantages, the Prime Minister said that its three strengths were democracy, demographic dividend in which 65 per cent of its population was under 35 years, and the demand for India because it was a huge market.
Clearly with an eye on the younger generation, Modi said, "We will not do anything which will let you down."
"My government will be 100 per cent successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the people," he said, as the crowd repeatedly chanted 'Modi-Modi'.
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Attired in a saffron Nehru jacket and yellow kurta, the prime minister held the packed indoor stadium spellbound, asserting that "Our attempt is to make development a peoples' movement."
In his over hour-long speech in Hindi which he began with 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' while extending greetings for Navratri festival, Modi promised good governance saying after a gap of 30 years India has got a government at the Centre with a clear majority.
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He also had a jibe at poll predictions in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections. "No political pundit or opinion makers could fathom such a verdict," he said.
Winning elections brought with it a big responsibility, he said. "Ever since I took up this task (as Prime Minister), I have not taken even a 15-minute vacation," he said.
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He also had a jibe at poll predictions in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections. "No political pundit or opinion makers could fathom such a verdict," he said.
"Winning elections is not about any post or chair. It's a responsibility. Since taking over (as Prime Minister), I have not even taken a 15-minute vacation," he said.
"You may not have voted in 2014 but I am sure that when the results were coming, you didn't sleep and you all celebrated," he told the NRIs.
Promising a fast pace of development, Modi said, "There is no reason to be disappointed. India will progress very fast and the skills of our youth will take India ahead.”
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Modi also told a rapturous crowd of NRIs that Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders will get lifetime Indian visa and that American tourists will be given visa on arrival. Modi announced the merger of PIO and Overseas Citizens of India schemes to facilitate hassle-free travel to the Indian diaspora.
He announced that PIO card holders staying in India on long-term basis will no longer have to report to the local police station.
Read: PM Modi promises lifelong visas for PIOs
Modi said that his big win in the Lok Sabha elections had come with a big responsibility for him which he would fulfil.
Listing out India's advantages, the Prime Minister said that its three strengths were democracy, demographic dividend in which 65 per cent of its population was under 35 years, and the demand for India because it was a huge market.
"My effort is to make development a mass movement. I am confident is that we will succeed. There is cause for disappointment. This country is going to make rapid progress. "There are many expectations from the new government. This government will be 100 per cent successful in fulfilling the aspirations of people," he said amid loud cheers. "My dream is to see every Indian family has a home by 2022," he said.
Earlier, artists have been performing while crowds have been streaming in for the live show. Misss America 2014 Nina Davuluri anchored the event. After a "garba" performance by artists, renowned playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy and violinist Dr L Subramaniam presented Bollywood songs.
New York: Artists perform Garba at Madison Square Garden #ModiAtMadison pic.twitter.com/UDMRdicAbE
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 28, 2014While the performance was on, an artist on stage was seen painting a portrait of Modi upside-down. New York:An artist paints picture of PM Modi while Singer Kavita Krishnamurthy sings 'Vaishnava Jan' #ModiAtMadison pic.twitter.com/xLksp2gW8y
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 28, 2014In his departure statement while heading towards US, Prime Minister Modi had said, "I keenly await the opportunity to meet the Indian American community at the Madison Square Garden in New York."
New York: Artists perform at Madison Square Garden, PM Modi supporters watching live at Times Square #ModiAtMadison pic.twitter.com/gd7kdF6J87
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 28, 2014"Their success in diverse fields, their contribution to the United States, their abiding bonds with India, and their role as a vibrant bridge between the two largest democracies is a source of pride for us. They serve as a window to our heritage, progress and potential."
PM Narendra Modi supporters outside Madison Square Garden. (Photo: ANI Twitter)
Madison Square Garden is a historic and technologically advanced venue, which can accommodate almost 20,000 people. It is well known as the venue where Beatles' founder John Lennon played his last concert. And boxing legend Muhammad Ali fought his first match.
