Nairobi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described terrorism as one of the two major challenges facing the world. Addressing the Indian diaspora here, the Prime Minister said that all forces believing in humanity must come together to defeat this "anti-humanity" menace.
"Those believing in humanity must come together. The sooner they come together, the sooner terrorism can be ended... Therefore, those believing in humanity must join forces to defeat anti-humanity forces. We need this resolve," he said while identifying global warming as second challenge that the world is facing today.
"These are challenges to the entire humanity...The world needs to come together to deal with these," he added.
During his hour-long address amid repeated chants of 'Modi, Modi', he spoke on a number of issues, including the initiatives taken by his two-year old government for transforming the lives of common people in India and fulfill their "dreams".
He also said that India was marching towards economic progress despite the global recession and his government was aiming at over 8 percent growth, up from the current level of 7.6 percent.
"My intention and desire is to take India's growth rate to 8 percent and beyond. We gave an impetus to good governance and to bring a positive difference in the lives of our citizens. The main driving force of India's steadfast march on the path of development is the resolve, desire and hard work of 1.25 crore Indians," he said.
"Through the 'Narendra Modi App' you will get all details about what I am doing and you will also know about the Government," he added.
Terming Africa "vital" for India, the Prime Minister said, "We hosted the India-Africa Summit, where heads of state of African nations came to India. Africa is very vital for India. Our journeys have been shared. We have nurtured and nourished each other in good times and bad."
"India is not a selfish nation. India does not believe in the narrow ideology of self interest alone. We believe in Vasudeva Kutumbakam, the entire world is our family. It is because of you all that the world's way of looking at India has changed and they look at India in a way that makes us all happy," he added.
PM Modi praises Indian community in Kenya
The Prime Minister further commended the people of Indian origin in Kenya for preserving their culture and tradition despite being away from their land of origin for generations.
"There must be people of third generation or fourth generation here," Modi said in his trademark diaspora rally at the Kasarani Stadium here soon after arriving from Tanzania on the fourth and final leg of his four-nation African tour.
"They must have only heard about Ganga, Assam, Nagaland or Mizoram. Despite this, it is commendable that they have been able to preserve their culture,” he said to rapturous cheers from a crowd of over 20,000 people.
There are around 80,000 people of India origin in Kenya, most of whose ancestors were brought as labour for the railways the then British rulers were building or came as traders.
"In Kenya, I have experienced the full diversity of India and all its fragrances,” the Prime Minister said.
He also commended the Indian community for contributing to Kenya's development.
“Whatever be the reason and compulsions behind your ancestors coming to Kenya, you made it your own land and worked for Kenya's progress,” he said.
Modi got a pleasant surprise when Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta joined him at the venue unannounced.
Welcoming Modi, Kenyatta said that he was glad and excited that Modi accepted his invitation to visit Kenya.
Stating that Kenya was a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, he said: “These people in front may be of Indian origin, but in heart, mind and soul they are truly Kenyan citizens.”
On his part, Modi said that it was a matter of “great privilege and honour for all of us that President Kenyatta is also among us to grace the occasion”. “For me and for India, it is a great, great honour,” he said.
This is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Kenya in 35 years after the visit of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1982.
With Agency Inputs
