Washington, D.C. – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a sold-out diaspora event in Washington, D.C., during his visit to the United States from June 21-24. The event, organized by the Indian American community, will focus on the role of the diaspora in India’s development and is expected to be a significant engagement between the diaspora and the prime minister.
The event, which will take place on June 23 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, has attracted widespread interest and reached maximum capacity with all 838 seats reserved. Dr. Bharat Barai, the community leader in charge of hosting the event, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response, which was primarily driven by word-of-mouth recommendations.
Barai stated, “We used the database that we had from the previous public meetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and even before we could contact the people, they contacted us and it’s all filled up.” The Indian American community is eager to hear Prime Minister Modi speak and discuss ways in which they can contribute to India’s growth story.
The chosen topic for the address, “The role of the diaspora in the growth story of India,” reflects the community’s desire to support India’s development and help elevate the country’s global standing. The organizers have planned the event to be primarily focused on engagement and discussion between the diaspora and Prime Minister Modi, with fewer cultural elements included.
The anticipation surrounding the prime minister’s visit is palpable among the diaspora. Amitabh Mittal, a member of the Indian American community from Chicago, expressed his excitement, stating, “The diaspora is very much excited about having such a visionary and working person who has propelled India to the fifth largest economy in the world. Not only that, he has elevated India’s reputation.”
Mittal also expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi would use the occasion to make an announcement regarding the Hindu Heritage Month in October. The initiative to celebrate Hindu Heritage Month has gained traction in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Mittal revealed that 30 proclamations have already been issued in support of the Hindu Heritage Month.
The visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States comes at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. It is expected to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries and further collaboration on various issues of mutual interest.
In addition to the diaspora event, Prime Minister Modi will also attend a state dinner hosted by President Biden on June 22 and address a Joint Session of the Congress on the same day. The visit presents an opportunity for both leaders to discuss and explore avenues for cooperation on key areas such as climate change, trade, and security.
As Indian Americans eagerly await Prime Minister Modi’s address, the sold-out event stands as a testament to the diaspora’s enthusiasm and desire to contribute to India’s progress. The engagement between the Indian American community and the prime minister is expected to foster greater collaboration and reinforce the importance of the diaspora in India’s development journey.
