Community Conversations
Modi & US: Progress Together” event in New York, on Sunday September 22, 2024
Team IAGB Executive Committee shares their feelings and take-away-s from this incredibly memorable event! Read on…
From the President, Tanu Phoenix
The Modi+US event was an incredible volunteer-powered event to celebrate our community and culture, and of course, welcome the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi!
Attendees left both inspired and proud after hearing Prime Minister Modi eloquently highlighting India’s greatest cultural strength – unity in diversity. His words painted a vibrant picture of India’s remarkable progress on every front, the invaluable contributions Indian Americans have made to the United States, and the critical role the diaspora plays as ambassadors of Indian soft power.
The event was a kaleidoscope of colors and rhythms, with a dazzling array of dances that transported every corner of India to our American stage. It was like watching a Broadway Show!!!
With 85 outlets attending the event, this was one of the leading stories around the globe. Over 300 volunteers and 500 performers provided hours of planning and executing, 13,000+ attendees traveled from near and far to attend the event, and countless thousands watched from the comforts of their homes.
IAGB feels honored to have been a Welcome Partner for this prestigious event!
As proud Indian Americans, deeply rooted to our native India, may we always remember our shared and timeless ethos which views the world as one family, to build a better world together, and to work together, to build a STRONGER COMMUNITY!
From the Vice President Nilesh Agrawal
When honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji addressed the Indian diaspora at the mega event hosted at the Nassau Coliseum, he referred to the “American-Indian spirit” as the world’s most powerful AI. “For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit,” he stated, addressing almost 13,000 people in the auditorium. I was floored in awe when he applauded the Indian diaspora for embracing this new global “AI” power.
Another ‘wow’ moment for me was when Modi Ji announced that India would soon open a new consulate in Boston. IAGB has been tirelessly hosting Visa camps for the community for the past decade by bringing the NY visa office to Boston – so this new consulate in Boston, in my opinion, is a fantastic gift for Bostonians!
From Treasurer Deepak Garg
Modi’s visit to New York in September 2024 was captivating and centered on themes of global leadership, economic advancement, and technological innovation. He highlighted the importance of sustainable development and the necessity for international collaboration. His call for unity in addressing global challenges underscored India’s role as a significant player on the world stage. He clearly articulated India’s responsibility to contribute to a better future for both the country and the world by acting as a global partner.
From the Secretary Manish Bhowmick
Attending the PM Narendra Modi event at the Nassau Coliseum, Long Island was an incredible experience. When I reached the venue, I found myself among a diverse gathering of the Indian diaspora from different states of the USA.
The event started with a strong cultural program by young Indian Americans showcasing vibrant Indian culture, diversity, and equality. The event was a kaleidoscope of colors and rhythms of India.
Then, there was the long awaited applause as PM Modi arrived at the podium. It was great to hear the person behind the progress of India. His speech gave an insight into how India-US partnership is growing. He emphasized the progress of India on every front like infrastructures, facilities used by people of India, banking, and as well as in technologies like AI, 5G, cell phone manufacturing etc. He also mentioned how India has helped other nations in a time of need with vaccines and drugs. He stressed on India’s growing role in the global stage and mentioned that the world listens when India says something on the global stage. I believe his leadership is a true spirit of determination to make India world’s 3rd largest economy when he mentioned “I couldn’t sacrifice my life for India’s freedom, but I will dedicate my entire life for the welfare of the country.”
His address painted a colorful picture of India’s remarkable progress in all areas, the invaluable contributions of Indian Americans to the United States, and the critical role of India diasporas as ambassadors of India.
From Executive Director Vijayendra Bhargava
It was an incredible experience to be at the Nassau Coliseum as part of the welcoming party for PM Modi. His manner of highlighting achievements by India and Indians worldwide instilled a sense of pride amongst all gathered there. To be in the midst of so many Indian achievers (young and old) and see their achievements being highlighted was truly inspiring and motivating. Hoping for more frequent visits by the Indian leadership.
From Executive Director Anagha Singh
It was an electrifying experience to be at the Nassau Coliseum as part of the audience to welcome PM Modi. The event was very well organized and the hospitality by the event coordinators was outstanding. The cultural show was brilliantly presented as it showcased India’s diversity. PM Narendra Modi, highlighted India’s achievements and how Indians have marked India on global map. While we take it for granted many times, what Mr Modi’s government has done for NRIs and how NRIs have become an integral part of India’s story globally, is something to cherish for all of us. The event was a perfect reflection of that mutual love and respect. Jai Hind.
From Executive Director Prerna Mathur
Seeing Prime Minister Narendra Modi so closely was like a dream come true for me!
In this highly anticipated event, it was indeed electrifying to see the legend talk, his grace and eloquence were preposterous. In the presence of 24000 people of the Indian community who attended the event, it was stunning to see how the audience responded to every word he spoke. His speeches are known to create such excitement amongst the crowd.
The enthusiasm to catch a glimpse of the PM saw a line of people queuing up about five hours before the event, with artists from different groups playing their traditional music to welcome Prime Minister Modi.
He called the Indian residents in the United States the ‘Rashtradoot’ (ambassadors of the nation). It was overwhelming to hear that he praised the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening the ties between India & the US.
In one of the standout moments of his speech, he even humorously defined the term AI as American Indians- the new AI power of the world. Modi ji talked, and I heard and heard and heard. He stood talking for around an hour, flawlessly captivating the audience. Feeling so thankful for this opportunity.
From Executive Director Asha Thotangare
I felt privileged when I learned that the IAGB was invited to attend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address during the cultural celebration at Nassau Coliseum. At first, I couldn’t believe that my name was selected in the initial lottery, and I remained skeptical about securing a seat after the second round. However, as the day to travel from Boston to Long Island approached, my excitement knew no bounds. I enthusiastically shared the news with every Indian friend I met, expressing my anticipation for the event. The atmosphere at the stadium was electrifying, with adrenaline running high. The pinnacle moment was when Modi-ji took the stage and greeted the audience with a warm “Namaste.” Hearing his speech live was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It felt like a whirlwind of emotions surging through the crowd. The air was charged with positivity and festivity. Along with the vibrant crowd, I couldn’t stop applauding as Modiji conveyed his powerful messages through his insightful speech. Despite the tight security, we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the event. I am certainly looking forward to attending Modi- ji’s future events in the USA.