London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed thousands of people, almost all of Indian origin, at a Grand Community reception in his honour at the iconic Wembley Stadium, home to rock concerts and England's national soccer team. The event was themed 'Two Great Nations, One Glorious Future'.
Courting the Indian diaspora on the second day of his three-day visit to the UK the first by an Indian Premier in 10 years, PM Modi got a rapturous welcome when he reached one of Britain's most famous sporting venues this evening. An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people were present at the event, according to the organizers. "Your warm welcome makes me feel home," the Prime Minister told the biggest gathering of Indian Diaspora he has ever addressed since assuming office in May 2014.
PM Modi, who was speaking against the backdrop of raging debate on "intolerance" in India, told the gathering during the course of his 90-minute address that newspaper and TV headlines are not the barometer to assess the country. This was a veiled reference to a number of reports in the British media today that were critical of his past and his record on human rights besides bringing up the issue of perceived intolerance in India.
"India is not only that much what is seen in newspapers. India is much bigger. India with its 125 crore people is much bigger and better with a preeminent position beyond the screen of Television," he said.
In this context, the Prime Minister referred to a youth Imran Khan of Alwar in Rajasthan who made 50 mobile applications and dedicated them to the students without charging anything."My India resides in people like Imran Khan," he said.
Referring to his meeting with leaders of the Sikh community yesterday, PM Modi said, "We shared our thoughts on various subjects. I understand their pain on some issues as well".
PM Modi invoked Mahatma Gandhi while talking about ways to deal with problems like terrorism and climate change, saying his teachings provide solutions to them.
Earlier, Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron greeted the assembled audience with a "Namaste" which drew loud cheers and followed up with another greeting "'kem cho'(How are you?) Wembley" in Gujarati. He renewed his pitch for India getting a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. "When it comes to UN we know what needs to happen- India with a permanent seat at the UN Security Council," he said.
Britain has a 1.5 million-strong Indian diaspora population. The event was held in a carnival atmosphere following celebrations for Diwali festival.
Describing the event as historic and spectacular, PM Cameron hailed the role of Indian community in his country's progress and said Britain will partner PM Modi's vision for India's development. "You have plans for India, we will help these become a reality," he said, adding, "Team India and Team India is a winning combination."
Referring to PM Modi's 'Acche Din' slogan, Cameron said "I would like to say having seen your energy and vision, I will go a step further and say 'Acche Din Zaroor Ayenge'."
Addressing the issue of terrorism, Cameron said this is a threat to the very existence of the two countries and they stand shoulder-to-shoulder to tackle it, reminding the gathering about the Mumbai and London attacks.
Performers included Indian-origin pop star Jay Sean, popular Bollywood singer 'Baby Doll' Kanika Kapoor and Alisha Chinai, who belted out her famous 'Made in India' Hindi number of the 90s, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. A dynamic cultural show showcasing dance styles prevailing across India besides a variety of dance mixes with Bollywood songs was on display. The audience also heard classical, folk art and contemporary music performances. There was also a performance by Scottish bagpipers.
