PM Narendra Modi leaves the US Congressmen impressed

Image courtesy: PIB
Deepu Aby Varghese Deepu Aby Varghese folomojo staff

In what was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first address to the US lawmakers, the Indian premier is believed to have impressed the US Congressmen with his thoughts and ideas. Modi spoke on a variety of topics ranging from terrorism to rural employment strategies.

Here are a few key excerpts from his speech:

About the Indian Constitution

For my government, the Constitution is its real holy book. And, in that holy book, freedom of faith, speech and franchise, and equality of all citizens, regardless of background, are enshrined as fundamental rights.

About the nuclear deal and support for 26/11

In the fall of 2008, when the Congress passed the India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, it changed the very colours of leaves of our relationship. We thank you for being there when the partnership needed you the most.

You have also stood by us in times of sorrow. India will never forget the solidarity shown by the U.S. Congress when terrorists from across our border attacked Mumbai in November of 2008. And for this, we are grateful.

About what US could learn from India about intellectual property rights and yoga

SIRI tells us that India’s ancient heritage of Yoga has over 30 million practitioners in the US. It is estimated that more Americans bend for yoga than to throw a curve ball. And, no Mr. Speaker, we have not yet claimed intellectual property right on Yoga.

About Indian-American spelling bee champions

Connecting our two nations is also a unique and dynamic bridge of three million Indian Americans. Today, they are among your best CEOs; academics; astronauts; scientists; economists; doctors; even spelling bee champions.”

They are your strength. They are also the pride of India. They symbolize the best of both our societies.

About his plans for India for which he seeks US assistance

  • A vibrant rural economy with robust farm sector
  • A roof over each head and electricity to all households
  • To skill millions of the youth
  • Build 100 smart cities
  • Introduce broad band t bilions and connect the villages to the digital world
  • Create a twenty-first century rail, road and port infrastructure
  • Goals to be achieved in a finite time frame with a light carbon footprint and with greater emphasis on renewability

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