Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Namaste, my friends from the U.S.! Can you believe it? Our cherished “Namaste” has taken a leap, transcending borders and echoing globally, all thanks to you. Every heart that beats for Bharat has played a role in this incredible journey.
Esteemed Friends,
You’ve traveled from corners near and far, some familiar faces lighting up this gathering, while others are fresh and new. Your affection is a priceless treasure to me. I often reminisce about a time when I held no titles—neither Prime Minister nor Chief Minister—just a wanderer exploring this magnificent land, yearning for answers to myriad questions. Back in those days, even without a political label, I crisscrossed nearly 29 states of America, soaking in the culture. And as I transitioned to being CM, my bond with you deepened through technology. Now, as PM, the affection I’ve received has been nothing short of extraordinary. Can you recall Madison Square in 2014? San Jose in 2015? Houston in 2019? Washington in 2023? And now, here we are in vibrant New York City in 2024, and you, my friends, have outdone yourselves yet again.
Dearest Friends,
The might of the Indian diaspora has never gone unnoticed by me. Even in my earlier days, devoid of a political title, I grasped its essence, and today I cherish it even more. You, my compatriots, are the ‘Rashtradoot,’ the emissaries of our great nation. You’ve woven a tapestry connecting Bharat to America and vice versa. Your talent, dedication, and spirit are unparalleled. Although you may have traversed oceans, no distance can sever the ties that bind you to the Bharat nestled in your souls. The teachings of Maa Bharti resonate deep in us, shaping our every interaction. We embrace diversity wholeheartedly, breathing life into our values through our actions—this is intrinsic to our identity. Despite our linguistic diversity—hundreds of languages and dialects flourishing—our hearts beat as one. Whether spoken in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, or Gujarati, our underlying spirit remains united: “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” the embodiment of our Indianness. This connection is our greatest strength and makes us true ‘Vishwa Bandhu,’ global friends. As our scriptures articulate, तेन त्यक्तेन भुंजीथा:—it is through sacrifice that true enjoyment is realized. We derive joy in uplifting others and embodying the spirit of sacrifice, regardless of where we find ourselves.
dear Friends,
In America, AI signifies artificial intelligence; however, I see AI as symbolizing America-India. This concept embodies the spirit of collaboration fueling our vibrant relations. I bow to you, the Indian diaspora!
Beloved Friends,
Wherever my journey takes me, the accolades for the Indian diaspora resonate universally among global leaders. Just yesterday, President Biden graciously invited me to Delaware. His warmth and generosity were profoundly moving. This honor extends to all 1.4 billion Indians and stands as a testament to your relentless efforts, as well as to every Indian on this soil. I am deeply grateful to both President Biden and all of you.
Dear Friends,
This pivotal year, 2024, is marked by contrasts. On one hand, we witness nations steeped in conflict, while others celebrate the triumph of democracy. Bharat and America stand united in this noble celebration. Elections loom in the U.S., while Bharat has already cast its ballots. Indeed, these elections were monumental—unlike anything the world has seen. Picture it: nearly double the voters than the entire population of the U.S., surpassing the entire population of Europe! The staggering participation of citizens elevates Bharat’s democratic pride. A three-month epic saga of voting, over 15 million polling staff, a million polling stations, throngs of political entities—all crafting a vibrant electoral tapestry rich with freedom of expression and diligent scrutiny.
And friends,
This intricate process birthed an unprecedented phenomenon in Bharat this time. What transpired? What transpired? What transpired? ‘Abki Baar—’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar—’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar—’ (This time again—)!
Dearest Friends,
We stand revalidated for the third consecutive time! Such a feat has eluded Bharat for the past 60 years. The grace bestowed upon us by the populace is monumental. With this third term, we embrace challenges with triple the vigor and triple the speed. Remember this term: PUSHP (flower). Yes, see it as a lotus; I do not object. And let me elucidate! P for Progressive Bharat, U for Unstoppable Bharat, S for Spiritual Bharat, H for Humanity-First Bharat, and P for Prosperous Bharat. Together, these petals will cultivate a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Friends,
I stand as the first Prime Minister of Bharat, born post-independence. The freedom struggle saw countless Indians laying down their lives for Swaraj (self-governance), shunning personal interests as they crossed paths with destiny. Some faced execution, others endured brutal imprisonment, while many navigated the trials of youth behind bars.
Friends,
While we could not die for our homeland, we can certainly live for it. Our fate may not have woven a tapestry of martyrdom, but our destiny lies in fervent living. From the outset, my mind has remained unwavering. While I couldn’t offer my life for ‘Swaraj,’ I pledged to dedicate my all to ‘Suraj’ (good governance) and a ‘Samridh’ (prosperous) Bharat. My journey brimming with experiences led me far and wide. I tasted sustenance where it was provided and sought refuge wherever I found warmth. From oceanic shores to majestic mountains, through arid deserts to snow-kissed peaks, I encountered and engaged with diverse lives, cultures, and challenges. Though my path took an unforeseen turn into politics, never did I anticipate blossoming into Gujarat’s longest-serving CM—13 glorious years. Then, propelled by the trust of the people, I donned the mantle of PM. The lessons from my travels have sculpted my governance approach, both at the state and national levels. And the results? Testimony to success over the past decade is evident to you and the world. Now, the people of Bharat have endowed me with yet another term, a gift I embrace with immense responsibility.
Beloved Friends,
Today, Bharat stands as a youthful and dynamic nation, bubbling with energy and aspirations. Daily, we break records and embrace fresh marvels. Just today, joy reverberated through the air: Bharat clinched gold in both men’s and women’s chess categories! And here’s more—this achievement marks a centennial milestone! Every Indian takes pride in our chess heroes. There lies another AI propelling Bharat forward: A for Aspirational and I for Bharat: Aspirational Bharat. This metamorphosis drives our growth momentum. Each aspiration births remarkable achievements, and those achievements in turn catalyze new aspirations. Over the last decade, Bharat ascended from the 10th to the 5th largest economy. Now, every Indian yearns for Bharat to leap to become the third-largest economy.
Friends,
Today, the ambitions of Bharat’s citizens extend beyond mere roadways; they are dreaming of splendid expressways. Rail connectivity desires have transformed; high-speed trains are on their radar. Each Indian city aspires to have metro services, while every locality yearns for its own airport. Whether country dweller or city dweller, citizens now clamor for world-class amenities, and tangible results echo these aspirations. In 2014, a mere 5 cities boasted metro systems; today, 23 cities proudly stand connected. Bharat has emerged as the second-largest metro network globally, and the expansion is relentless.
Friends,
In 2014, just 70 cities boasted airports; today, that figure has soared to over 140. Initially, fewer than 100 gram panchayats had broadband connectivity; now, more than 200,000 do. From around 140 million LPG consumers back then, we’ve now surpassed 310 million. What once took years to accomplish is now being achieved in mere months. A newfound confidence blankets Bharat’s citizens, fueling their zeal for personal milestones. This development frenzy has morphed into a grassroots movement; every Indian’s unwavering belief in Bharat’s success and promise is palpable.
Friends,
Bharat embodies a land bursting with opportunities. No longer does Bharat wait for these chances; it forges them! The last decade has cultivated a robust launching pad for opportunities across various sectors. Allow me to share, in just ten years, 25 crore individuals have been lifted out of poverty! How did we achieve such monumental change? By revolutionizing mindsets and approaches. We empowered the impoverished, intertwined over 500 million lives with the banking system, extended free medical treatment to more than 550 million individuals, provided housing to over 40 million families, and facilitated access to credit through collateral-free loans. Such groundbreaking initiatives have propelled individuals from poverty, birthing a neo-middle class that is propelling Bharat’s astounding growth.
Friends,
We prioritize development that centers around women alongside their welfare. Each of the homes built by the government stands registered in women’s names. Of the millions of bank accounts opened, over half bear women’s names. In the past decade, 10 crore Indian women have become part of the Micro Entrepreneurship Scheme. Look at the initiatives— agricultural practices are being united with technology, with drones taking center stage in farming. While drones may be common to you, here’s an interesting twist: do you know who is pioneering this revolution? Rural women! We are empowering thousands of women to pilot these drones, accelerating a groundbreaking revolution in agriculture.
Friends,
Previously marginalized areas are now at the forefront of national priorities. Bharat is more interconnected than ever before. Are you ready for this? The magnitude of Bharat’s 5G market now exceeds that of the United States, and this remarkable shift arose within just two years. Bharat is ambitiously striving towards Made-in-India 6G. How did this transformation unfold? Through thoughtfully devised policies, investments in homegrown technology, affordable data, and mobile phone manufacturing. These days, almost every major mobile brand in the world proudly bears the ‘Made in India’ tag. Bharat has rocked the global stage, emerging as the second-largest mobile manufacturer worldwide. Not so long ago, we relied heavily on imports; today, we are exporting our innovations!
Beloved Friends,
Bharat no longer lags; it sets the pace. We are trailblazers crafting new systems, leading by example. Introducing the world to an innovative concept—Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—this framework fosters equality and emerges as a robust instrument to combat corruption. Bharat’s UPI system captivates global attention. While you may carry physical wallets, in Bharat, people jostle with both physical and e-wallets on their smart devices. Many Indians forego traditional documentation, opting for DigiLocker instead. At the airport check-ins, DigiYatra paves the way for seamless experiences. This initiative serves as a launching pad for digital public infrastructure, innovation, employment, and technology advancement.
Friends,
Bharat shall not falter or slow. The vision extends towards a future where global devices operate on homegrown, Made-in-India chips. We’ve established the semiconductor sector as the bedrock of Bharat’s dynamic growth. Last June, Bharat announced incentives stimulating the semiconductor industry. Within months, we laid the foundation stone for Micron’s inaugural unit, and to date, five such units have gained approval. The day isn’t far when you will encounter Made-in-India chips right here in America, a transition that will propel Bharat’s trajectory towards unparalleled development—this, my friends, is a promise I stand by!
Dearest Friends,
The unwavering commitment to reforms in Bharat today is striking. Our Green Energy Transition Programme illustrates our resolve. Although we are home to 17% of the global population, our contribution to carbon emissions registers at a mere 4%. We absolutely refused to contribute to the degradation of our precious planet. Unlike others, we chose a sustainable course, deeply anchored in our respect for nature. Investments poured into solar, wind, hydro, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy. We were the first among the G20 nations to reach the Paris climate goals, witnessing our solar energy capacity swell by over 30 times since 2014. We are zealously working to ensure every household transitions to solar power through a grand rooftop solar mission. Our railway stations and airports are transforming with solar energy, and across urban landscapes, the shift to energy-efficient lighting is in full swing, generating significant green job opportunities.
My Friends,
21st-century Bharat thrives on the pillars of education, skill development, research, and innovation. You marvel at the name Nalanda University from our past. This ancient institution has been reborn in modernity, embodying not just the university but the very ethos of Nalanda. We diligently construct an educational ecosystem that beckons students from every corner of the globe to Bharat. Over the past decade, buried beneath layers of success, a remarkable trend unfolded: every week saw the birth of a new university in Bharat, while two new colleges sprang to life daily, and each day welcomed one new ITI. The count of IIITs surged from 9 to 25, IIMs expanded from 13 to 21, and AIIMS tripled in size to 22, with medical colleges almost doubling in the same breath. Today, top universities from around the world seek collaboration with Bharat. Countless Indian designers have long demonstrated their prowess; now, the world is poised to witness the brilliance of ‘Design in India.’
Beloved Friends,
Currently, Bharat’s global partnerships are skyrocketing. We’ve shifted from a policy of Equal Distance to one of Equal Proximity. We’re emerging as a powerful voice for the Global South, with recent strides at the G20 Summit granting the African Union a permanent seat—a significant milestone driven by Bharat’s initiative. When Bharat speaks on the international stage, the world stands attentive. Not long ago, I proclaimed, “This is not the era of war,” and that profound sentiment rippled through global consciousness.
Precious Friends,
In times of crisis, Bharat stands ready to assist. During the tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic, we shared vaccines and essential medicines with over 150 nations. Whether confronted with a natural disaster or civil unrest, we were always among the first to offer aid—a testament to the values and wisdom bequeathed to us by our ancestors.
Dearest Friends,
Bharat is evolving as a new catalytic force on the global canvas, its influence promising to span every sector. We play a pivotal role in propelling global growth, championing peace, advancing climate goals, closing skill gaps, and fostering innovation while stabilizing international supply chains.
Dear Friends,
For Bharat, power and capability find expression in “ज्ञानायदानायचरक्षणाय,”—knowledge is meant for sharing, wealth for caring, and strength for safeguarding. Thus, Bharat’s ethos emphasizes enhancing influence rather than imposing dominance. We are not a raging wildfire; we embody the sun’s benevolent rays, bringing light rather than seeking to scorch. We aspire not to control the world but to contribute meaningfully to its prosperity. From championing yoga to promoting the superfood millets and advocating the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) vision, Bharat emphasizes a human-centered approach to progress, complementing GDP-driven growth. I encourage all of you to be ambassadors of Mission LiFE! Small lifestyle changes can lead to transformative impacts on our planet.
Have you heard about the beautiful movement gaining ground across Bharat? People are planting trees in homage to their mothers (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam). If your mother is present, plant a tree with her. If she isn’t, plant one in her memory—carry a photograph and plant that tree. This movement pervades the fabric of Bharat, and I urge you to spark a similar initiative here. It’s an act that honors not just the mothers who gave us life, but Mother Earth herself.
Friends,
Bharat dares to dream grandly and pursues those dreams with unyielding resolve. With the Paris Olympics just behind us and the next host being the USA, we are diligently preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. Our efforts encompass sports, business, and entertainment; Bharat is swiftly becoming a global magnet. From the likes of the IPL, which stands tall among the world’s premier leagues, to our films capturing hearts overseas, Bharat’s global allure flourishes. The appetite for celebrating Indian festivals is escalating worldwide. It’s mesmerizing to see such initiatives, as across cities, people are discovering Garba in worship of Navratri—a testament of love for Bharat!
Friends,
Today, nations around the globe aspire to learn more about Bharat. My heart swells with joy to share this: just yesterday, America graciously returned 300 ancient inscriptions and statues to Bharat, relics that date back 1,500 to 2,000 years, stolen from our heritage. So far, the United States has returned around 500 such precious artefacts to Bharat—each returning item symbolizes an homage to our rich, millennia-old heritage. A proud moment for Bharat and for each of you! My deep gratitude extends to the U.S. government for this monumental gesture.
Friends,
The partnership between Bharat and the United States grows immeasurably stronger with each passing day. Our collaborative efforts are aimed at global benefit. We are enhancing cooperation across multiple domains, considering your convenience too. Last year, I announced the opening of a new Consulate in Seattle, now operational. I sought your recommendations regarding the additional two consulates, and I am pleased to reveal that Bharat will be opening consulates in Boston and Los Angeles based on your feedback.
Furthermore, I am ecstatic to unveil the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Chair for Tamil Studies at the University of Houston— an endeavor to spread the philosophies of the illustrious Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar across the globe.
Friends,
This event has been nothing short of extraordinary. The cultural spectacle that unfolded was delightful. I have been told that thousands wished to attend this event, but the venue simply could not accommodate everyone. I express my apologies to those I couldn’t meet today. Let’s look forward to our next meeting, in a larger venue on a future date. However, I firmly believe the collective enthusiasm and passion will remain unwavering. I wish you all health, prosperity, and an enduring strengthening of the India-U.S. friendship. With heartfelt gratitude, I thank you!
Let us join together in a powerful chant:
Bharat Mata ki Jai!
Bharat Mata ki Jai!
Bharat Mata ki Jai!
Thank you all!
