Indian PM Narendra Modi's Record-Breaking Show at Madison Square Garden, New York

In an record breaking public gathering in the history of New York, US, on Sunday, September 28th, 2014, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi addressed the Indian Diaspora –Indians living in the United States – and several US elected officials, at Madison
Square Garden (MSG) in Manhattan.

In his first visit to the United States as India’s newly elected Prime Minister, Modi  addressed the relationship between America and the world’s largest democracy, India. In addition, he discussed how the extensive and historic partnership between the two countries allows Indian-Americans to contribute to both countries. “People from all over the world have come and settled in America,” noted Modi, “and Indians have gone and settled all over the world.” The Prime Minister encouraged the roaring crowd to participate in India’s growth. “Governments cannot make progress without public participation, … we need to make development a people’s movement.” Prime Minister Modi’s historic speech comes just before a White House visit on September 29th and 30th, when he will meet with President Barack Obama to help fulfill the promise of the US-India strategic partnership,” according to a White House statement.

Prime Minister Modi’s public address and reception at the 20,000-seat venue drew such overwhelming interest that tickets, which were made available at no charge, were being distributed by lottery, with inquiries for the East Coast event coming from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. There were 19,000 people in attendance inside the arena. Over 30 US elected Officials attended the event, with the enthusiastic crowd giving an especially warm reception for the first Hindu member of Congress, Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), and Indian American Representative Ami Bera (D-CA), and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R).

Faiz Askari, Editor of SMEStreet travelled to US for covering Mr Modi's US Visit.