The NRG stadium came alive from the dawn with people trickling down from all over the U.S. to attend the grand event in Houston, Texas. The ‘Howdy Modi’ was an outstanding event and reception accorded to any foreign political leader ever in the U.S. The Indian diaspora showed their warmth and love for the Indian Prime Minister by organising the most extensive gathering. A cultural program opened with a bhajan by the Cincinnati Sikh bhajan group was followed by songs and dances of most parts of India and songs performed by Indian American children and youths.
The Mayor of Houston opened the program. Many dozens of U.S. Congressman jostled to be on the dais during the event (the U.S. going for elections next year!) arriving a few minutes before Modi. The readout welcome speech sounded more from the congressman’s heart than as a mere formality. The mayor presented the ceremonial key of Houston to Modi, an honour indeed.
Houston had terrible weather, rammed by a storm just a few hours before the programme, but that did not discourage the amazing U.S. Indians a bit. Every Indian watching the T.V.s from various states of India must’ve truly swelled with pride as the respect our Prime Minister was receiving. A few Congresspersons known for their Pak leanings too came over, a switchover of loyalties realising the geo-political changes those are hard to ignore. The Indian External Affairs Minister, The U.S. Ambassador to India, received President Trump, who was brushing aside protocols, decided to share the stage with Modi.
As Modi and Trump entered arm in arm like good friends, the entire stadium of sixty thousand plus Indians stood in acclamation with a roar ‘Modi, Modi!’ After the U.S. and Indian national anthems, Modi began his extempore speech striking right chords with praises on the U.S. President. The crowds went berserk, cheering the PM at every sentence. “Ab ki Baar, Trump Sarkar,” from Modi was lapped up with” a loud acclamation. Modi recalled Trump’s first meeting, when the President had said, “India has a true friend in the White House.”
Trump acknowledged his friendship with Modi. We are with you in every single step of your way, the President adding, “PM Modi is doing an exceptional job. I’m thrilled to have Modi as a personal friend.” “PM Modi has lifted 300 Mn Indians out of poverty,” Trump quoted. He added that India under Modi’s leadership is a thriving and robust republic. India-US energy cooperation is at its very best and India and U.S. are forging strong security ties, Trump said. We’ll boost our space and defence ties. We are committed to fighting radical Islamic Terror. “Border security is vital for India,” said Trump.
Surely Indo-US relations have never been better anytime in the 72 years of its independence. I wish to address the opposition, who have not left any effort to demean every step of the NDA and its PM Modi. A few who still think Modi only as a tea-seller must re-engineer their idea. There were people who doubters that he could not speak a line in English. He has disproved all.
Modi finally ended, speaking in Hindi, thanking the diaspora and the American President for the memorable event. He emphasised over the inclusivity of our nation and our avowed “Unity in diversity.”He spoke vividly of his government’s performance and advancement in various fields in the last five years, including approval of the Abrogation of the Art 370 provisions in relation to Kashmir. I must say that a stronger relationship between India and the U.S. will no doubt augur well for the world, save perhaps Pakistan on which he took a dig.
In the end, I must say that a stronger relationship between India and the U.S. will no doubt augur well for the world, save perhaps Pakistan on which he took a dig.
I shudder to think of any single opposition political face today from India, who could be substituted for Modi right now. Let’s all exploit and utilise the goodies that Modi is trying to bring to our country.
Jai Hind
Sampath Kumar
Intrépid Voix
