This event comes nearly a decade after Prime Minister Modi’s first major address to the Indian-American community at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2014, shortly after he assumed office
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a significant gathering of Indian-Americans on September 22 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New York. This venue, located in Uniondale, Long Island, typically holds 15,000 people; however, more than 24,000 members of the Indian diaspora have already registered to attend the event, according to the Indo-American Community of USA (IACU).
The IACU, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering unity and understanding within the Indo-American community through cultural events and public programs, announced on August 27 that registrations have been received from 590 community organizations across the United States, all of whom have signed up as ‘Welcome Partners.’ The event has garnered particularly strong interest from the tri-state area, although attendees from at least 42 states are expected to participate. Organizers are exploring ways to expand seating arrangements to accommodate the overwhelming demand.
The timing of this year’s event is notable, as it coincides with the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election in November, featuring a contest between former President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, who has both Black and Indian heritage.
“We’re committed to ensuring as many people as possible can participate in this historic event,” said one of the event’s key organizers. The event, titled ‘Modi & US,’ aims to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Indian-American community. Attendees will represent various religious backgrounds, including Jewish, Zoroastrian, Jain, Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu communities, as well as a wide array of linguistic groups such as Hindi, Telugu, Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, and Gujarati.
In addition to Prime Minister Modi’s address, the event will feature cultural performances and appearances by prominent Indian-Americans from various fields, including business, science, entertainment, and the arts. The gathering is set to reflect the vibrant mosaic of the Indian-American community, showcasing both unity and diversity.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to participate in the high-level General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, which will take place from September 24-30. According to a provisional list released by the UN, Modi is expected to deliver his address in the afternoon session on September 26. However, the schedule remains subject to change, with the UN frequently updating the list to reflect any modifications in attendance and speaking arrangements.
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