From Namaste going global to Rashtradoot, PM Modi in address to Indian diaspora in New York

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an Indian community event, in New York, USA, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 22 got a rockstar welcome from the members of Indian diaspora when he reached New York’s Nassau Coliseum to address the gathering. Terming Indian diaspora as ‘Rashtradoot’, PM Modi said that the diaspora is the strongest brand ambassador for India.

PM Modi also mentioned that that “Namaste” has now gone global.

In a heartfelt acknowledgment of the diaspora’s contribution, PM Modi stated: "Your love is my good fortune... I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora. I understood it even when I held no official position... For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you 'Rashtradoot' (ambassadors of the nation)." He commended the diaspora's role in strengthening ties between India and the US, remarking, "You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched."

PM Modi further emphasised the deep bond the Indian community maintains with their homeland: "You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins."

He highlighted India's unity in diversity, saying: "We belong to a country where there are dozens of languages and dialogues, all faiths and religions of the world, and yet we are moving forward united."

Speaking at the community programme in New York, PM Modi also offered two new interpretations for the term AI, short for Artificial Intelligence. He declared, “For me, AI means American Indians. This is the spirit that is taking the India-US relations to a new height.” He additionally referred to AI as “Aspirational India”.

@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/B7Y2Ue29uj
September 22, 2024

PM Modi addressed the transformation India has undergone, stating that it no longer waits for opportunities but creates them. He remarked, “India is now the land of opportunities. It doesn’t wait for opportunities anymore, it creates opportunities. In the last 10 years, India has created launching pads of opportunities in every sector.”

During the ‘Modi and US’ event in Long Island, PM Modi noted that India has emerged as a first responder to global crises and has become a strong voice for the Global South. He illustrated that when India makes a statement, it is now heard by a global audience.

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.”

PM Modi is in the US for a three-day visit to attend the Quad Summit 2024. Earlier on Saturday, he attended the Quad Leaders' meeting in Delaware, hosted by US President Joe Biden.