The Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, is buzzing with anticipation as members of the Indian diaspora in the US gather for a momentous event – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the Indian-American community. This historic gathering, scheduled for Sunday evening, forms part of Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing three-day visit to the United States.
Jagdish Sewhani, a member of the event organising committee, described the atmosphere as a celebration of Diwali. “It is a historical event…15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states. More than 500 artists are going to perform, and we all are awaiting PM Modi,” he said.
Online visuals showcase vibrant groups rehearsing their dance routines and playing instruments, adding to the festive air. Organizers anticipate a crowd of approximately 25,000 individuals from across the US, all eager to witness this significant event. Sehwani highlighted the momentous occasion, stating, “This is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Long Island.” He further noted the excitement of the local authorities, stating, “The Mayor of Nassau county is so excited that he said that he is going to welcome the most popular leader, not only in India but in the world.”
Beyond the community address, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to New York includes participation in the UN Summit of the Future, a CEO Roundtable, and key bilateral meetings.
The excitement among the diaspora is palpable. A group of performers representing Maharashtra, playing the traditional Dhol-Tasha instruments, expressed their pride in showcasing their culture. “We are very excited. We are from India but we live here. We play Dhol-Tasha to keep alive the roots of India. We are excited to play this in front of the Prime Minister,” they shared.
Another member of the group emphasized the importance of preserving their heritage: “We are very excited (that PM Modi is coming here). We usually don’t get the opportunity to see him, but I am looking forward to seeing him, from a distance at least. We try to pass on this folk music that comes from Maharashtra to the next generation by keeping the culture alive.”
The anticipation for Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Long Island is palpable, promising a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and a powerful message of unity and connection for the Indian-American community.
