Modi does a Vivekananda

Addresses a unique meeting of NRIs at Madison Square

What he said...

• We are a youthful nation with a very old culture
• India will progress very fast; skills of youth will take India ahead
• We have helped break the stereotype of India being a land of snakes.
• Democracy, demographic dividend and demand are three unique strengths of India which will take it to new heights
• My government will be 100 per cent successful in fulfilling the aspirations of people
• We will not do anything that will let down the people
• When 125 crore people have given their blessings, it's the blessing of God

New York: After a rock star show at the Central Park here, on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the Madison Square Garden in the heart of Manhattan by storm on Sunday morning.

He addressed a crowd of over 20,000 NRIs with his rousing speech, which made many reminisce about the 1893 speech of Swami Vivekananda in the same month of September. Throughout his speech, some 20,000 NRIs were constantly cheering him and their applause rent the air. The crowd roared "Modi, Modi" and applauded as the 64-year-old Prime Minister, wearing saffron and yellow, thanked them for changing the perception of India and for supporting his campaign from afar. Many watched the speech beamed live on big screens at Times Square. The crowd would very frequently burst into applause as Modi rekindled patriotic fervour in them and mention of every word about India sent them into raptures.

Greeeting the crowd warmly, Modi began his speech with his affirmation that India would move ahead at a rapid pace and lead the 21st century world.

He said India was the youngest country of the world and held the key to future of the globe. As much as 65% of the India population was below 35, and India needed to use this demographic advantage. He expresses hope that India would not need to look back.

Modi said that his big win in the Lok Sabha elections had come with a big responsibility for him which he would fulfill. Listing out India's advantages, he said that its three strengths were democracy, demographic dividend (in which 65 per cent of its population is under 35 years), and the demand for India (because it a huge market).

He told the crowd he had not taken “even a 15-minute break" since he came to power in May. "Winning an election is a responsibility. Ever since I have taken up this responsibility, I haven't taken a break even for 15 minutes," he said.

While speaking about his election victory, PM Modi said referred to a popular Hindi film: “You have heard of bees saal bad (20 years later).” There was instantly a deafening cheering by the crowd.

Then he got to his point: "Tees saal baad (after 30 years), there is a government in India that enjoys a clear majority." He added, “When 125 crore people have given their blessings, it's the blessing of God.”

PM recalled that many had given their lives for the sake of their country and mentioned about the Sikh Gurus. He also paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi who channelised the fervour for Independence to a mass movement. He exhorted the gathering to ensure that the quest for growth to become a mass movement. He says that everyone needs to do his/ her bits to improve the country. Modi says that 125 crore Indians are his assets, real strength. He harped on the youth power to make India a super power.

Rounding off his speech, he made the gathering shout “Jai” at the top of their voices to his prompting with “Bharat Mata Ki!”