Democracy, demand and demographic dividend three unique strengths of India, PM tells MSG crowd
Addressing a rapturous crowd of NRIs, 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.
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.
Giving Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) a unique gift, he said the PIOs will be given permanent visa to India. He promised long-term visas to US citizens visiting India for tourism purposes.
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’.
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.”
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.
The Prime Minister said there was no need for any disillusionment. “India is going to march ahead at a very fast pace.”
“The 21st Century will be that of India. By 2020, only India will be in a position to provide work force to the world,” he said, while citing examples of growing global demand for nurses and teacher.”
“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 by the around 20,000 people. “My dream is to see every Indian family has a home by 2022,” he said.
Counting India’s success, he said India is the only country that has been successful in its maiden attempt to reach Mars. Comparing the taxi fare in Ahmedabad to the cost of the Mars Orbiter Mission, he said: “The cost of travelling a kilometre in a taxi in Ahmedabad is Rs 10. We have reached Mars in just Rs 7 per kilometre.”
In an unprecedented show of solidarity for India-US relationship, more than three dozen top US lawmakers attended the public reception hosted for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the iconic Madison Square Garden here.
There was also a group of Tibetan women carrying banners in support of Modi. The excitement is palpable as chants of “Modi Modi” rent the air. Strict security arrangements are in place with police barricades at several locations.