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By: Narain Kataria
March 30, 2005
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March 20, 2005 will be written in golden letters in the annals of Indian
Americans living in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and
Connecticut. On this day braving the rough weather, a sea of humanity
thronged at Madison Square Garden Theatre right in the middle of New York
City to listen to their beloved leader Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of
Gujarat in India. Narendra Modi spoke via satellite to a jubilant crowd
consisting of more than 5,000 strong people, and answered their questions.
He delivered a very powerful speech. He kept the crowd spellbound for
about one hour with his charm and wit. The magnificent spectacle was seen
to be believed. More than 2000 people could not attend the celebration
because they mistook refusal of visa to Narendra Modi as cancellation of
the program.
Narrating the progress achieved by the State of Gujarat during his short
tenure of three years or so, Mr. Modi said that Gujarat has become one of
the most prosperous states in India. I want to make Gujarat a model state
for other states to emulate. In Bharat, the first ‘Green Revolution’ was
brought in by Punjab, but the second Green Revolution will be produced by
Gujarat.
In the past, India had been the Jagat-Guru, the Teacher of the World, for
most of the mankind before we went into decline. Very soon, we are going
to regain our rightful place in the comity of nations. ‘Knowledge is
Power’ and we are genetically endowed with it. Hence, Twenty-First Century
rightly belongs to India.
When asked as to what his ‘reaction’ was to the denial of visa by US State
Department, Mr. Modi quipped, “I do not believe in ‘reactions.’ I believe
in action. I plan to make Gujarat and the rest of India so prosperous,
vibrant and peaceful that there would be a queue for visa in America to go
to India.” In another question as to what Indian youth could do to help
India, Mr. Modi suggested that if each one of the Indian Americans
convinces only five non-Indian families in a year for visiting India, that
would create a positive understanding of India and boost the Indian
tourist industry ten fold. That will be your contribution to the
Puniya-bhoomi Bharat.
Most prominent leaders of Indian community were present on the occasion
and each one addressed the gathering briefly. As a mark of protest, one
throne-like royal looking seat in the center of stage right in the midst
of all prominent community leaders had been left vacant for Narendra Modi
who could not be with them because of the refusal of visa by US State
Department. Referring to the vacant seat Sunil Nayak, one of the co-Chair
of the Event said that this was the second time in India’s History that a
throne had been kept vacant; the first time when Lord Rama went to Vanvas
5,000 years ago and the second time when Narendra Modi is not allowed to
come to this country.
US Congressman Frank Pallone got a spontaneous uproarious applause from
the audience when he said, “It was a big mistake on the part of US to deny
a visa to a constitutionally and democratically elected Chief Minister.”
Dr. Mahesh Mehta, the Founder/Chairman of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of
America, lashing out at the anti-Hindu forces, emphasized that it was
incumbent upon us to identify the anti-India elements and their
sympathizers who have unleashed the hateful campaign of vilification and
denigration against peace loving Hindu people, and expose their nefarious
designs.
Dr. Mukund Mody, the Founder of the Overseas Friends of BJP said, “The
denial of visa was based on wild accusations and distortions by those who
indulged in a smear campaign against the Indian leader.” He further stated
that The State Department had violated a fundamental principle of the
American justice “innocent until proven guilty.” “India has not produced
the slave-drivers but Lord Buddha.” “India has not produced Hiroshama
nuclear bombers but produced Mahatma Gandhi, declared Dr. Mody.
Dr. Sudhakar Reddy, the co-Chairman of the event said that Narendra Modi
is a man with the capital “M.” He is a great visionary and a dynamic
leader. He is a Nishkam Karamyogi. We adore him. He is not just a leader
of Gujarat State; he is truly a national leader. If and when he comes to
New York in person, I promise, we will give him a resounding reception
befitting the stature of a head of state in which 20,000 people will
participate.
Outside the Theater, about 30 Indian and Pakistani Moslems were shouting
slogans against India and Mr. Modi.
Narain Kataria
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