Modi engages with Indian-Americans, highlights importance of US election
Speaking at a packed coliseum in the Long Island, Modi discussed the significance of the 2024 election year and the broader theme of democracy around the world.
Modi attends a gathering of the Indo-American Community of USA (IACU) in New York City on September 22, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)
By EasternEyeSep 23, 2024
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian-American community in the United States on Sunday, focusing on the influence and power of the diaspora as the US presidential election approaches.
Speaking at a packed coliseum in the Long Island suburbs of New York, Modi discussed the significance of the 2024 election year and the broader theme of democracy around the world.
In his speech, which included Indian cultural performances featuring traditional dancing and songs, Modi emphasised that 2024 is a critical year for the entire world. “This year 2024 is a very important one for the entire world,” Modi said, according to a translation of his remarks. He highlighted the contrasting global scenario, stating, “On the one hand, there are conflicts raging between several countries in the world, there is tension. And on the other, democracy is being celebrated in several countries of the world.” He noted that India and the United States are united in this celebration of democracy.
Modi did not comment specifically on the ongoing US presidential contest between vice president Kamala Harris, who is of Indian descent, and former president Donald Trump. However, he acknowledged the impact of the Indian-American community, which is made up of approximately 4.5 million people, according to the 2020 US Census data.
Trump has announced his intention to meet with Modi later this week. The upcoming meeting is expected to focus on deepening ties between the two countries. Trump is currently engaged in a tight race against Harris, and his outreach to the Indian-American community is seen as an effort to gain support from this influential group.
Earlier this year, Modi secured his third consecutive term as the prime minister of India. He was sworn in following an election campaign marked by religious rhetoric and a surprising outcome that necessitated the formation of a coalition government. Despite these challenges, Modi managed to consolidate his position as the leader of the world's most populous nation.
During his US visit, Modi also met with president Joe Biden in Delaware. The leaders held both a one-on-one meeting and participated in discussions as part of the Quad grouping, which includes the leaders of Australia and Japan. The meetings were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships among the Quad nations.
Ahead of the Modi-Biden meeting, senior US officials met with Sikh advocates to discuss the challenges faced by the Sikh community in the United States. While a US official declined to comment on whether human rights issues were raised during the talks between Modi and Biden, the meeting with Sikh representatives highlights ongoing concerns related to security and civil rights within the US.
The Indian-American community in the United States has become increasingly prominent in recent years, contributing significantly to various sectors including technology, business, and politics. Modi’s outreach to this community reflects the growing importance of the diaspora in shaping both Indian and American political landscapes. As the US election draws closer, the engagement between Modi and the Indian-American community is likely to continue, emphasising shared values and the role of democracy in both nations.
AN ASIAN writer has explained how his new book makes Britain’s imperial past “accessible, engaging and thought-provoking” for a younger audience.
Award-winning author and journalist Sathnam Sanghera’s new book, Journeys of Empire, explores empire through 10 journeys he described as being “extraordinary”. Sanghera said his book, published last month by Puffin UK, is “a way of helping children understand how Britain’s biggest story still shapes the world today.”
“We’re not taught this history very well,” he told Eastern Eye.
“The empire is morally complex – sometimes we were good, sometimes bad – so, how do you even begin talking about it? It’s also contentious. There are millions of us whose families were colonised, and millions whose families were the colonisers.”
Teachers cannot teach what they themselves were never taught, Sanghera pointed out.
“There are multiple layers to why British people are so bad at talking about this history. It touches on race, misogyny and geopolitics. It’s easier just not to talk about it.”
And , the cover of his book
Following the success of his bestselling children’s title Stolen History, Sanghera’s this latest work continues Sanghera’s mission to write for readers aged nine and above. With a focus on human experiences, Sanghera said he wanted show that history is not just a list of dates or conquests – it’s a tapestry of stories that connect people.
Born in Wolverhampton to Punjabi immigrant parents, he began school unable to speak English. Later he graduated with first-class honours in English language and literature from Christ’s College, Cambridge.
He has since built a career as a writer and journalist.
His memoir, The Boy with the Topknot, and his novel, Marriage Material, were both shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards. Empireland, Sanghera’s exploration of Britain’s colonial legacy, was longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non- Fiction, named a Book of the Year at the 2022 National Book Awards, and inspired the Channel 4 documentary series Empire State of Mind.
His first children’s book, Stolen History, introduced young readers to the complex and often overlooked realities of empire. With Journeys of Empire, Sanghera aims to go further. “When I finally learned about the British empire, it changed how I saw myself, how I saw Britain, and how I saw India,” he said.
“It seemed obvious that you’d want to give this gift to young people – because your 40s is a bit late to be learning all this.”
Sanghera said the 10 journeys in the book take readers across continents and centuries, revealing both the ambition and the brutality of empire.
“The British empire covered a quarter of the world’s surface and a large portion of its population. It was seven times the size of the Roman empire,” he said.
Aiming to ensure diversity in both perspective and geography, Sanghera said he chose stories from various countries and different phases of the 400-year history.
Alongside India and Mahatma Gandhi, readers will learn about Guyana’s indentured labour system, Gertrude Bell’s adventures in Iraq, and the British invasion of Tibet led by Francis Younghusband.
“I wanted to highlight areas often left out of mainstream narratives,” the writer said. The stories are written with an accessible and honest tone, and with humour.
“Violence is a tricky area,” Sanghera said. “You can’t go into graphic detail, but you also shouldn’t whitewash it. The violence and racism of colonialism were intrinsic. “I tried to strike a balance - acknowledging the brutality without overwhelming young readers.”
Writing for children isn’t much different from writing for adults, Sanghera said.
“You still need engaging stories and to hold attention. The main thing is to avoid big words that might put them off.”
He pointed out how storytelling can counter the allure of digital screens.
“Kids are addicted to screens, and reading rates are falling globally. That’s disastrous for mental health, intellectual development, and politics,” he said.
“When you get news from screens, you’re in an echo chamber – you’re not being challenged or taught to think in a nuanced way.”
Sanghera’s hope is that stories of Journeys of Empire – from pirates to princes and explorers to rebels – will draw in young readers to a world of curiosity and reflection. He said, “The British empire is a complex story. Even the ‘good guys’ had flaws. That’s what makes it worth understanding.”
At the heart of his book is a message about complexity and contradiction. “The empire involved slavery and the abolition of slavery. It caused environmental destruction and inspired environmentalism. We live in a world that struggles with nuance, but that’s what makes us human,” Sanghera said.
“My hope is that readers – kids and adults – learn that opposite things can be true at the same time.”
After six years of writing about empire, Sanghera said he’s ready for a change. His next book will focus on the late pop star George Michael, due out in June next year.
“I thought George Michael would be a nice break from empire. But then I learned that his father came from Cyprus - which was under British rule. The reason he left Cyprus was because of the British. So, even George Michael’s story connects back to empire. You can’t escape it, wherever you go.”
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