Community leaders eagerly anticipate PM Narendra Modi’s visit to New York

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Community leaders have expressed enthusiasm and excitement given the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to New York, where he will speak at a major community event “Modi & US: Progress Together,” on September 22, 2024, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island.

Organized by the Indo-American Community of USA, this event marks the 10^th anniversary of PM Modi’s pivotal speech at Madison Square Garden in September 2014, delivered shortly after he took office as Prime Minister.

Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a Padma Shri recipient and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, told News India Times, “This visit aims to mobilize the Indian diaspora in support of Mother India. As both a host committee member and a gold sponsor, I’m excited about the event, which we anticipate will draw around 15,000 attendees,” adding “We’re eager to hear Prime Minister Modi’s future vision plan and strategies for India’s development. We are looking forward to his speech with great anticipation.”

Chairman Trustee of the National Council of Asian Indian Associations, Sunil Singh expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event, noting strong interest from community members, including new attendees from the Washington DC area. Singh along with others are arranging travel and accommodations for those traveling.

Singh told News India Times “This is going to be a great event. In fact, my both sons, their wives and my nephew are also interested in going.”

As a coordinator from the DC area, Singh previously helped organize PM Modi’s 2014 visit to New York, coordinating efforts with local leaders and facilitating logistics for attendees.

Singh recalled, “We attended a few planning meetings in New York with the consulate and embassy officials. We had a great turn out of around 16,000 people at the Madison Square Garden.”

Singh mentioned that he first met PM Modi during that visit at a dinner, where he even took a picture with him. He told the Prime Minister, “I’m from Banaras,” to which Modi responded with enthusiasm. Since then, Singh has played a key role in organizing several of the Prime Minister’s visits to Washington DC.

Chair of Virginia Asian Advisory Board, Srilekha Palle told News India Times, “The enthusiasm within the community is palpable, and we look forward to the meaningful engagements that will arise from this visit, particularly as we stand together for progress, collaboration, and shared values,” adding “The Indian diaspora remains a critical bridge in this partnership, embodying the spirit of progress, innovation, and unity.”

Palle underscored that the upcoming visit is a key step in strengthening the partnership between Bharat and the United States, reflecting the maturity of their bilateral relations. She highlighted that it signifies not only deepening ties between these two nations but also Bharat’s rising influence as a key voice for the Global South. This visit highlights a strategic and mature partnership focused on tackling global challenges through cooperation in areas such as technology, security, and climate change.

Founder and Chairman of Sikhs of America, USA, Jesse Singh, said “The Sikh community is very excited about PM Modi’s visit. Sikh delegations have met him since his first visit in 2014. He listens to our issues and have resolved them each time. Sikhs are participating in large numbers to welcome him in Long Island, NY.”

Ramesh Annamreddy, from the Telugu Community in the DMV area, said, “We are all very excited to see Prime Minister Modi visiting US for the first time in his third term. The Indian diaspora is indebted to PM Modi for the recognition and respect around the world. He has contributed to the core development of India, and we are seeing benefits of his initiatives such as Swachh Bharat and Make in India.”

Various cultural programs from different groups are also being planned to welcome PM Modi. Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) will be hosting a special cultural event in New York City to showcase the excellence of FeTNA and the Tamil community.