LIVE
Sun, 28 September 2014
Modi@Madison: 90-minute speech ends with Ganga Plan, balloon tricolour
Timeline Refresh
23:55
Journalist Mihir Sharma on Modi's quip that he hadn't taken a 15-minute vacation since he became PM.
@mihirssharma Dude you've been in the job for barely a few months and you're already whining that you haven't taken a vacation?
@mihirssharma Dude you've been in the job for barely a few months and you're already whining that you haven't taken a vacation?
23:53
@TheUnRealTimes
Modi's speech writer: "Modi bhai, it's MohanDAS, DAS not LAL"
Modi: "LOL. Look at the ppl there. Do u think anyone cares?"
And this UnReal Times take on a peeved Nawas Sharif after Modi's Madison speech. See
Modi's speech writer: "Modi bhai, it's MohanDAS, DAS not LAL"
Modi: "LOL. Look at the ppl there. Do u think anyone cares?"
And this UnReal Times take on a peeved Nawas Sharif after Modi's Madison speech. See
23:50 Kishwar criticises Modi's 'export nurses' agenda
Madhu Kishwar, once a die-hard Modi fan, tweets: NaMo's enthusiasm for exporting nurses, teachers etc. premature considering we aren't producing enough of them for domestic requirement. #ModiAtMSG
Remember, it was Kishwar who had raked up the issue of HRD minister Smriti Irani's qualifications or rather the lack of it, for the portfolio she held.
In May, Kishwar though, a series of tweets criticised the PM's appointment of Smriti Irani as Union HRD minister. "Now onwards NaMo will be judged by performance as PM. Old track record as CM very important but doesn't mean blind support taken for granted," she tweeted.She also posted, "Irani claims to be BCom part 1 frm correspondence school. No such degree exists. Means just took admission and left. Misrepresentn in affidavit."
Another post said, "Congress & Left have nurtured intellectuals, academics for decades. BJP neglected this arena. @narendramodi better put worthy person in HRD"
Remember, it was Kishwar who had raked up the issue of HRD minister Smriti Irani's qualifications or rather the lack of it, for the portfolio she held.
In May, Kishwar though, a series of tweets criticised the PM's appointment of Smriti Irani as Union HRD minister. "Now onwards NaMo will be judged by performance as PM. Old track record as CM very important but doesn't mean blind support taken for granted," she tweeted.She also posted, "Irani claims to be BCom part 1 frm correspondence school. No such degree exists. Means just took admission and left. Misrepresentn in affidavit."
Another post said, "Congress & Left have nurtured intellectuals, academics for decades. BJP neglected this arena. @narendramodi better put worthy person in HRD"
23:44
A little boy at Times Square says Modi-ji is a great leader, he is awesome.
@SellingViolets NRIs sounding v caught on tokens of Indianism. Gandhi Ganga. We used to worry NRIs left us behind. Now worry they're stuck in a time warp.
@SellingViolets NRIs sounding v caught on tokens of Indianism. Gandhi Ganga. We used to worry NRIs left us behind. Now worry they're stuck in a time warp.
23:39
@culdivsac Modi wants every Indian to own a house. I'd like to know what the former residents of Gulbarg Society think of this.
23:38
Kiran Bedi tweets: Modi the Conquerer of Hearts!
The lady who was pipped to be the future CM of Delhi.
The lady who was pipped to be the future CM of Delhi.
23:36 Cong: Didn't like that Muslim delegation was sitting separately
First reactions from the Congrss: Rashid Alvi tweets: "Didn't like that Muslim delegation was sitting separately, speech was as a PM. Everyone should have been sitting together."
23:34
This is easily the best tweet on Modi's Mohanlal faux pas.
23:18 Modi@Madison: 90-minute speech ends with Ganga Plan, balloon tricolour
At least a good, secular note to end on -- and something that concerns, or should concern, most of India -- the Ganga Action Plan.
Never mind the school-level entertainment, Modi's 90-minute speech was what kept the 18,000-strong crowd at MSG on their feet, cheering at every sentence the PM spoke.
If only he had bothered to learn the Mahatma's full name.
Never mind the school-level entertainment, Modi's 90-minute speech was what kept the 18,000-strong crowd at MSG on their feet, cheering at every sentence the PM spoke.
If only he had bothered to learn the Mahatma's full name.
23:04 Modi ends speech with clip of Ganga Conservation Plan
Modi sums up his long speech at MSG, and asks the audience to chant Bharat Mata ki Jai. "I'm on fast, not you," whipping up the crowd to a frenzy.
Just spotted NSA Ajit Doval also in the audience at Madison Square Garden.
Modi had said that the cleanliness of Ganga is necessary and asked the NRI community to pitch in. "People ask me why take up difficult task like Ganga clean up? I answer people haven't elected me for an easy task," he said.
And like we said ad ad nauseam, the crowd erupts in cheers.
Just spotted NSA Ajit Doval also in the audience at Madison Square Garden.
Modi had said that the cleanliness of Ganga is necessary and asked the NRI community to pitch in. "People ask me why take up difficult task like Ganga clean up? I answer people haven't elected me for an easy task," he said.
And like we said ad ad nauseam, the crowd erupts in cheers.
22:58
US nationals will get visa on arrival facility on landing in India, soon. Modi announces long-term visas for US citizens, online visas and visa on arrival.
22:57
Modi acknowledges the Bohra Muslims community members at Madison Square Garden.
Sushma Swaraj wearing a red shawl at MSG. #ModiAtMSG
Sushma Swaraj wearing a red shawl at MSG. #ModiAtMSG
22:53 Modi slips up again! Calls the Mahatma Mohanalal Gandhi
Big slip up! Huge. Modi calls Gandhiji, Mohanlal Karamchand Gandhi!
This is the second time he has slipped up. In 2013, when he was the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, he referred to Mahatma Gandhi as Mohanlal, and not Mohandas Gandhi at a rally in Rajasthan.
This is the second time he has slipped up. In 2013, when he was the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, he referred to Mahatma Gandhi as Mohanlal, and not Mohandas Gandhi at a rally in Rajasthan.
22:49 Modi invokes the Mahatma
PM Modi: The will power of 125 crore citizens of the nation is my strength. We have invited everyone from all over the world for our mission of skill development. We have given importance to skill development. We created a separate ministry for skill development. Gandhiji gave us independence, what did we give him? He never compromised on cleanliness, shouldnt we clean the nation for him."
22:41 Modi's Rs 7/km ride to Mars
This is the kind of quip that has people eating out of his hand. The PM on the Mars mission alluding to the fact that if Indians want to, we can achieve the impossible... "In Ahmedabad, a rickshaw takes 10 Rs/km, we have sent Mars Mission at 7 Rs/km," he says. #ModiAtMSG
22:38
Sadhvi Rithambara among the audience at MSG.
22:38
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard tweets: @TulsiGabbard One of my favorite quotes from Mahatma Gandhi #ModiInAmerica
22:37
@saketvains Sorry pm modi but ali vs frazier is still the best event to happen at madison square garden.
22:30 Three things that only India has? Crowd chants, Modi, Modi, Modi
When the PM said there are three things that are unique to India, the crowd chanted, Modi, Modi, Modi. The PM however, was talking about India's 3 strengths: democracy [largest]; demography [35% of pop ulation less than 35]; demand [vast market]. No other country has has all three, says Modi.
22:23
At 16.4 per cent, Indian-Americans are the third largest Asian-American group in the US, numbering 2.8 million, which is almost 1 per cent of the US population.
22:23 Communally tense Vadodara burns
Meanwhile, in Gujarat, a stabbing incident was reported today at Kaladarshan society in the Panigate area of communally tense Vadodara city,
"One person was injured in a stabbing incident. He was admitted today to the Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad hospital in the city for treatment," hospital sources said.
Incidents of stone-pelting were reported in the Wadi area in the city, locals said.
Vadodara has been on the boil after communal violence erupted in Yakutpura, Panjrapole, Fatehpura and Kumbharvada in the city on Thursday after derogatory posts about a religion were put up on Facebook.
"One person was injured in a stabbing incident. He was admitted today to the Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad hospital in the city for treatment," hospital sources said.
Incidents of stone-pelting were reported in the Wadi area in the city, locals said.
Vadodara has been on the boil after communal violence erupted in Yakutpura, Panjrapole, Fatehpura and Kumbharvada in the city on Thursday after derogatory posts about a religion were put up on Facebook.
22:20 21st century is the century of Asia, Modi tells adoring crowd
America is oldest democracy of world, India is biggest democracy. People from all over come to America, Indians are everywhere in the world: PM.
Crowds react with roars of approval to every single sentence he speaks. The PM has the 18,000 strong Madison Garden crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. #ModiAtMSG
But not everyone is impressed. Tibetans protest (pictured) outside MSG.
Crowds react with roars of approval to every single sentence he speaks. The PM has the 18,000 strong Madison Garden crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. #ModiAtMSG
But not everyone is impressed. Tibetans protest (pictured) outside MSG.
22:13
@realpreityzinta Watching our PM at Madison square Garden & the atmosphere here is amazing ! #modiInamerica
#ModiAtMSG
#ModiAtMSG
22:13
@madhukishwar @narendramodi 's disdainful references to Saperas highly objectionable. Being Sapera requires profound skills honed over generations.
22:11
@realpreityzinta Watching our PM at Madison square Garden & the atmosphere here is amazing ! #modiInamerica
22:09 We will be successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the people: Modi
"I am aware that you all have several expectations from India. Even the people of India are expecting a lot from the government. We will be successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the people," says Modi.
#ModiAtMSG
"Today, there is an environment of enthusiasm in India. People want change now. The poorest of the poor are now yearning for change. I want to assure you that the government you have chosen will not leave a stone unturned in bringing change in India," he says.
#ModiAtMSG
"Today, there is an environment of enthusiasm in India. People want change now. The poorest of the poor are now yearning for change. I want to assure you that the government you have chosen will not leave a stone unturned in bringing change in India," he says.
22:05
Loved this one: Nandagopal Rajan ?@nandu79 This is a revolutionary speech. After all the podium is rotating@nandu79 This is a revolutionary speech. After all the podium is rotating
22:05 I didn't get a chance to thank you: Modi
PM Modi: "Opinion makers" were unsuccessful in creating "opinion" about us, Indians in villages taught them "opinion.
"I didn't get a chance to thank you all for active participation in India's polls, so I thank you all now. Winning elections is not about any post or chair. It is a responsibility. Since taking over, I haven't even taken a 15 minute vacation."
"I didn't get a chance to thank you all for active participation in India's polls, so I thank you all now. Winning elections is not about any post or chair. It is a responsibility. Since taking over, I haven't even taken a 15 minute vacation."
22:03
But of course: Niramala Sitharaman tweets: "Simply electrifying - joy radiating from Madison Square. Listening to @narendramodi."
22:02
@ShivAroor Hey organisers, when Modi says Indian-Americans have boosted India's image, he definitely didn't mean you guys.
22:01
@mihirssharma OMG he made the mouse joke AGAIN. This is a really easy crowd.
21:59 'If it wasn't for you, India would still be known as a country of snake charmers'
Modi tells the Indian-Americans at MSG, "If it wasn't for you, we would have still been known as a country of snake charmers. You have earned respect through your hard work in America. You have given us credibility in the eyes of the world." #ModiAtMSG
"You may not been able to vote during the Indian elections, but I'm sure not a single one of you would have slept when the results were being announced."
"You celebrated as much as we did. I want to thank all of you who were part of the election process."
"You may not been able to vote during the Indian elections, but I'm sure not a single one of you would have slept when the results were being announced."
"You celebrated as much as we did. I want to thank all of you who were part of the election process."
21:52 Bharat Mata Ki Jai, says Modi as Madison roars approval
And so the moment that the 18,500 Indian-Americans inside MSG have been waiting for has arrived. The PM being his speech with Bharat Mata Ki... but cheers of Modi Modi force him to stop. The podium is rotating as the PM speaks. #ModiAtMSG
21:49
PM and the stadium sing the Indian national anthem.
21:47 Cheers, chants of 'Modi, Modi' as PM arrives
Cheers, chants of 'Modi, Modi' as the PM arrives. The PM is wearing a saffron jacket with a cream kurta. He takes the stage and waves at the audience which cheers him on. #ModiAtMSG
US national anthem being sung (again). A little faux pas there? This will be followed by the Indian national anthem.
US national anthem being sung (again). A little faux pas there? This will be followed by the Indian national anthem.
21:40 Modi set to arrive any minute now
And before the Indian national anthem is being sung, an announcement that PM Modi has arrived. He has to be present when the national anthem is sung.
21:38 US national anthem at MSG
A loud cheer for Nikki Haley, Ami Bera and Tulsi Gabbard, Indian-Americans all. Deafening shouts of Modi Modi. US national anthem being sung.
#ModiAtMSG
#ModiAtMSG
21:34
Mihir Fadnavis '@mihirfadnavis Seriously wish Godzilla showed up and stomped over this awful and deeply embarrassing music. #ModiAtMSG
21:33
Congressmen take the stage after that appalling show of 'Indian culture'.
21:27 Chivda, barfi awaits Modi supporters outside MSG
OK, so once the MSG shindig is over, the 18.5 K people in the stadium can go home armed with two mithai packets from Rajbhog Sweets and Deep Foods. #ModiAtMSG
The rules of MSG don't allow food to be handed inside the venue. Four large trucks will be stationed at streets outside, with workers and volunteers positioned on seventh and eighth avenues, handing over the packets, even to passersby. The packet by Rajbhog Sweets will contain a chivda and a barfi, while Deep Fried Foods will offer dry bhel.
The rules of MSG don't allow food to be handed inside the venue. Four large trucks will be stationed at streets outside, with workers and volunteers positioned on seventh and eighth avenues, handing over the packets, even to passersby. The packet by Rajbhog Sweets will contain a chivda and a barfi, while Deep Fried Foods will offer dry bhel.
21:20 Bollywood extravaganza at Madison
Ok, the dancing, if you could call it that, is over.
@mihirssharma rightly puts it... "Well, the tickets were free. What did you expect, *good* performances?"
Pic: Modi's supporters watching the MSG programme live at Times Square.
@mihirssharma rightly puts it... "Well, the tickets were free. What did you expect, *good* performances?"
Pic: Modi's supporters watching the MSG programme live at Times Square.
21:18
'@vikramchandra Something tells me that the @narendramodi speech will be better than the performances building up to it.
21:10 Jai Ho + Bharatnatyam at Madison
Tunku Varadarajan '@tunkuv Anyone visiting MSG from Mars would think there was no more to Indian culture than cavorting dancers and Bollywood soundtracks.
A Bollywood dance troupe is just done with performing a bharatnatyam fusion to the Oscar award winning 'Jai Ho' soundtrack.
A Bollywood dance troupe is just done with performing a bharatnatyam fusion to the Oscar award winning 'Jai Ho' soundtrack.
21:07
Pic: That's what we got at the end of the song-paint fusion.
#ModiAtMSG
#ModiAtMSG
21:03
And that's Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri.
This is what she tweeted a while ago. @NinaDavuluri So honored to be co-hosting #ModiInAmerica w/@hari at #MSG! It's almost time to start! Look today by @ExclusivelyIn!
This is what she tweeted a while ago. @NinaDavuluri So honored to be co-hosting #ModiInAmerica w/@hari at #MSG! It's almost time to start! Look today by @ExclusivelyIn!
20:57
The painting at the end of the jugalbandi, turns out to, predictibly, to be Narendra Modi's. #ModiAtMSG
20:52 Vaishnava Janato remix
Kavita Krishnamurthy's next is Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn, Vaishnava Janato. This is a jugalbandi of song and painting, popularised by MF Husain. #ModiAtMSG
Kavita Krishnamurthy's rendition is a different tune from the original. Give us the old one, any day. This one just doesn't cut it.
Kavita Krishnamurthy's rendition is a different tune from the original. Give us the old one, any day. This one just doesn't cut it.
20:47
Patriotism infusion from Kavita Krishnamurthy singing "Yeh mera India, I love my India' from the film, Pardes. #ModiAtMSG
20:45 Modi@Madison: 'Born in the USA', Garba, Dhol, share space
So far, this is what happened: Miss America Nina Davuluri set the tone for the evening in a pink and blue Indian outfit. #ModiAtMSG
The event kicked off with artists performing a number from Shah Rukh Khan's Chakde India and Bruce Springsteen's classic 'Born in the USA'. Artists performing Gujarati folk dance.
Kavita Krishnamurthy and L Subramaniam take the stage.
The event kicked off with artists performing a number from Shah Rukh Khan's Chakde India and Bruce Springsteen's classic 'Born in the USA'. Artists performing Gujarati folk dance.
Kavita Krishnamurthy and L Subramaniam take the stage.
20:38
nikhil wagle @waglenikhil The crowd at Madison square is the same crowd who donated for Ram Janmabhumi andolan. It's not about India, it's about BJP's India! #ModiAtMSG
20:37
And another tweet from Naresh Fernandes @tajmahalfoxtrot: Some perspective: There are fewer people in the Garden than in four Bombay local trains.
20:35 Rajdeep on heckling: I got pushed around a little, but most people here are good
Headlines Today's Rajdeep Sardesai told Rediff.com's Chaya Babu of the heckling: "I got pushed around a little, but it's par for the course as a journalist. Most people here are good people." #ModiAtMSG
20:34
A gentle reality check. Naresh Fernandes tweets: Madison Square Garden, like a wedding hall, is a venue for hire. There is no great honour involved in speaking there.
#ModiAtMSG
#ModiAtMSG
20:31
A group of Gujarati dancers on the stage now, crowds cheering. #ModiAtMSG
20:30 Modi@Madison: And it begins...
Born in the USA plays and Miss America Nina Davuluri co-hosting the programme takes the stage.
20:25 I was there
Fangirl @AlishaKakkad tweets this picture from inside MSG.
There is a 18,500-strong crowd inside the stadium. Tickets for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's community reception at the Madison Square Garden in New York City during his US visit were sold out.
#ModiAtMSG
There is a 18,500-strong crowd inside the stadium. Tickets for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's community reception at the Madison Square Garden in New York City during his US visit were sold out.
#ModiAtMSG
20:18 'Modi@Madison Square Garden is once-in-a-lifetime event'
So, what's all the hullabaloo over MSG about?
Ask Dr Bharat Barai.
An old friend of the prime minister and president of the newly set-up Indian American Community Foundation which is organising Modi's mega public interaction in New York today, he spoke exclusively to Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com about the "once-in-a-lifetime" event. Read
Ask Dr Bharat Barai.
An old friend of the prime minister and president of the newly set-up Indian American Community Foundation which is organising Modi's mega public interaction in New York today, he spoke exclusively to Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com about the "once-in-a-lifetime" event. Read
20:14 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Modi, Modi' drown out protests outside MSG
A broad coalition of organisations under the umbrella Alliance for Justice and Accountability hold a rally, demonstration and press conference outside the Madison Square Garden to register their protest against Modi, whom they hold responsible for not stopping the 2002 anti-Muslim pogrom in Gujarat when he was Chief Minister of the State.
#ModiAtMSG
#ModiAtMSG
20:03 Bharat Mata ki Jai, Modi Modi cries ring out at MSG
Groups of Modi enthusiasts breaking into "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Modi, Modi" as they wait for the programme to begin.
#ModiAtMSG
#ModiAtMSG
19:56
@ShivAroor Seen the video frame by frame. Man in yellow kurta started fight by grabbing @SardesaiRajdeep's shirt. Belongs in a prison cell.
19:54
This is the video of crowds heckling Rajdeep Sardesai outside MSG for being 'anti-Modi'. Watch
#ModiAtMSG
#ModiAtMSG
19:52 Modi meets Nikki Haley
And that other appointment before the MSG do. Syed Akbaruddin tweets: Excited about the opportunities in India - South Carolina Governor @nikkihaley (Nikki Haley) to PM @narendramodi
19:42
Rajdeep Sardesai @sardesairajdeep tweets: Glad we caught the idiots on cam. Only way to shame the mob is to show them. #ModiAtMadison
19:39 Countdown begins: Madison Square Garden doors open
Doors to Madison Square Garden opens. Madison Square Garden (sometimes called MSG or simply The Garden) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The Garden is used for professional basketball and ice hockey, as well as boxing, concerts, ice shows, circuses, and other forms of sports and entertainment. Opening on February 11, 1968, it is now considered to be the oldest, and most active major sporting facility in the New York City metropolitan area.
Pic: The queue to go up to the hall
Pic: The queue to go up to the hall
19:36 Love him? Wear him
Modi merchandise sells anywhere it seems. ANI's Smita Prakash tweets that T-shirts in only Large and Extra Large sizes are now available.
19:24 Rajdeep Sardesai hooted for being 'anti-Modi'
Congress leader Ajay Maken @ajaymaken tweets: Not Fair @JFK_America: Mob attacking an Indian journalist for being critical of Modi' Accused of being a traitor pic.
And the journalist, appears to Headlines Today's Rajdeep Sardesai.
nikhil wagle tweets: By hooting out @sardesairajdeep at Madison square Modi supporters proved their culture. incidentally, many of them did not pay for tickets!
And the journalist, appears to Headlines Today's Rajdeep Sardesai.
nikhil wagle tweets: By hooting out @sardesairajdeep at Madison square Modi supporters proved their culture. incidentally, many of them did not pay for tickets!
19:21 The lead up to Modi's historic visit documented
The special issue of India Abroad -- Rediff.com's newspaper for the Indian American community, being distributed outside MSG.
Read the issue here
Read the issue here
19:12 Modi meets leaders of the Jewish community
Earlier in the day, he met New Jersey governor Chris Christie. He is now meeting with representatives of the American Jewish community.
MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweets this picture: "India has a centuries old tradition of Jewish people living in peace & harmony: PM @narendramodi to Jewish leaders
MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweets this picture: "India has a centuries old tradition of Jewish people living in peace & harmony: PM @narendramodi to Jewish leaders
19:06
Dressed in the Maharashtrian navvari sari, Modi fans wait for the event to begin. Another 50 minutes to go.
19:00 Will the wait be worth it?
Another picture of the crowds outside MSG.
For those who couldn't wrangle a ticket to the do, the event will be broadcast live in Times Square, a first for any foreign leader.
For those who couldn't wrangle a ticket to the do, the event will be broadcast live in Times Square, a first for any foreign leader.
18:56 Preparations in full swing at MSG, Modi likely to speak in Hindi
Preparations in full swing for PM Narendra Modi's speech at Madison Square Garden, 8pm IST.
Organizers expect about 18,500 Indian-Americans to attend. They are among more than 30,000 across the US who had registered for free tickets. The speech will also be broadcast on a big screen in Times Square.Modi won a spectacular electoral victory in May and was catapulted into the international arena.
This marked a major change since 2005, when the US denied him a visa for his alleged complicity in sectarian violence in his home state of Gujarat.Modi will speak from a rotating platform measuring 15 meters (yards) across.
He will speak Hindi, but is expected to give some remarks in English, according to event organizer, the Indian-American Community Foundation.
Organizers expect about 18,500 Indian-Americans to attend. They are among more than 30,000 across the US who had registered for free tickets. The speech will also be broadcast on a big screen in Times Square.Modi won a spectacular electoral victory in May and was catapulted into the international arena.
This marked a major change since 2005, when the US denied him a visa for his alleged complicity in sectarian violence in his home state of Gujarat.Modi will speak from a rotating platform measuring 15 meters (yards) across.
He will speak Hindi, but is expected to give some remarks in English, according to event organizer, the Indian-American Community Foundation.
18:49
The crowd outside MSG. Waiting for the event to begin.
18:47 Kavita Krishnamurthy at MSG
Hitting all the right notes, Kavita Krishnamurthy, who is slated to sing the national anthem at the Madison Square Garden reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tells P Rajendran/Rediff.com that being chosen for such an event gives her great pride. Read
18:46
@kritdeo tweets: Queue all around Madison square garden to listen to Modi.
Pic: That's what MSG is going to look like once the event begins at 8 pm IST.
Pic: That's what MSG is going to look like once the event begins at 8 pm IST.
18:37 And this is the lady who will co-host the Madison do
Modi will speak to a sold-out crowd of 20,000 people at Madison Square Garden in a show sparkling with laser lights, boisterous bhangra. Former Miss America Nina Davuluri will be co-host. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have added extra trains to accommodate the expected crowds.
Here's what you can read up on Nina Davuluri, meanwhile. Read
Here's what you can read up on Nina Davuluri, meanwhile. Read
18:30 So, what can you expect from the Madison Square Garden do?
The organisers of the community reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to be held at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City have created a special rotating stage for him that will move every 15 minutes.
"We wanted to make sure," Dr Bharat Barai, the key coordinator of the event, told Rediff.com, "that he will face all the people at some point of time while he is making his remarks.
This is an extra expense, but we decided that we don't want anybody to be behind him all the time. So we are creating a special 6-foot-diameter stage. His podium will be on this diameter stage, which will be rotating."
Read
"We wanted to make sure," Dr Bharat Barai, the key coordinator of the event, told Rediff.com, "that he will face all the people at some point of time while he is making his remarks.
This is an extra expense, but we decided that we don't want anybody to be behind him all the time. So we are creating a special 6-foot-diameter stage. His podium will be on this diameter stage, which will be rotating."
Read
18:28 Modi centre of attraction at Central Park
As India and some of the world awaits PM Modi's Madison Square Garden speech, yesterday, using an unusual platform of a rock concert, Modi invoked "can do" attitude of youth to change India and the world while addressing a thousands-strong crowd which gathered for "Global Citizen Festival" in Central Park in New York.
After a seven-minute speech in English, Modi also read out a Sanskrit scripture calling for "peace in the world" and greeted the largely-American crowd with a "Namaste" amid cheers and claps.
Amid performances by various singers, Modi was introduced to the crowd by actor Hugh Jackman as someone who started as a "tea salesman" and went on to become chief minister of Gujarat and then Prime Minister of India with a huge mandate.
Addressing the crowd, Modi sent his "Namaste" to also those watching the concert on "TVs, laptops, tablets and phones".
Modi said he was delighted to be among the youth in an open park and not inside a closed conference room. "Because you are the future. What you do today, will decide our tomorrow. I feel a current of hope in this park. Among you, I feel confident about the future," he said.
After a seven-minute speech in English, Modi also read out a Sanskrit scripture calling for "peace in the world" and greeted the largely-American crowd with a "Namaste" amid cheers and claps.
Amid performances by various singers, Modi was introduced to the crowd by actor Hugh Jackman as someone who started as a "tea salesman" and went on to become chief minister of Gujarat and then Prime Minister of India with a huge mandate.
Addressing the crowd, Modi sent his "Namaste" to also those watching the concert on "TVs, laptops, tablets and phones".
Modi said he was delighted to be among the youth in an open park and not inside a closed conference room. "Because you are the future. What you do today, will decide our tomorrow. I feel a current of hope in this park. Among you, I feel confident about the future," he said.
18:19 Narendra Modi, Once Unwelcome in US, gets rock star reception
What the NYT says on the Madison Square Garden do.
The Indians who draw crowds of adoring fans are usually tall and sultry, with washboard abs and elaborate outfits, Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan -- described by some as the Brad Pitt of India or Priyanka Chopra, the bombshell actress, singer and model.
But this time it is a teetotaler and bachelor who has boasted of his 56-inch chest and wears a simple cotton shirt.
Read
The Indians who draw crowds of adoring fans are usually tall and sultry, with washboard abs and elaborate outfits, Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan -- described by some as the Brad Pitt of India or Priyanka Chopra, the bombshell actress, singer and model.
But this time it is a teetotaler and bachelor who has boasted of his 56-inch chest and wears a simple cotton shirt.
Read
18:17 Madison Square Garden speech attracts 'record Indian-American crowd'
After Bono, Beyonce, The Beatles, Madison Square Garden is all set to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the closest thing the country has right now to a stadium-filling rock star, writes Joanna Sugden in WSJ blogs.
Modi will address what organisers say will be the biggest gathering of Indian Americans in the US ever.
Jeevan Zutshi, co-founder of the Indian American Community Foundation that is putting on the show, said in the two decades since the group began there hasn't been a leader of India who could draw such a crowd.
Modi will address what organisers say will be the biggest gathering of Indian Americans in the US ever.
Jeevan Zutshi, co-founder of the Indian American Community Foundation that is putting on the show, said in the two decades since the group began there hasn't been a leader of India who could draw such a crowd.
"Modi has really reinvigorated India," and caught the imagination of Indian Americans, said Zutshi, whose group hasn't held an event like this before. "We need someone like him to change the impression people have of the country."
Read the full blog here
18:06 Indian-Americans can't wait to watch Modi @ MSG
Indian Americans are up and about. It is going to be an exciting Sunday as Madison Square Garden is all set to host Prime Minister Narendra Miodi in about two hours from now.
Rediff.com's Paresh Gandhi gets us the glimpse of the excitement from Edison, New Jersey were Indian-American families wait to board a train to New York City at the metro park.
Rediff.com's Paresh Gandhi gets us the glimpse of the excitement from Edison, New Jersey were Indian-American families wait to board a train to New York City at the metro park.
16:53 O Panneerselvam to replace Jayalalithaa as Tamil Nadu CM
O Panneerselvam has been named the new Tamil Nadu chief minister. The decision was taken at the meeting held by AIADMK leaders. The decision was made after Jayalalithaa stepped down after a special court found her guilty and sentenced her to 4 years in jail in the disproportionate assets case. Panneerselvam is one of Jayalalithaa's close aides and the current state finance minister. He was also appointed chief minister in 2001 when the Supreme Court had annulled Jayalalithaa's appointment.
16:31 He has maintained family relations: Pankaja Munde on Uddhav
A day after the Shiv Sena announced that it would be contesting 286 seats in the upcoming Maharashtra polls and also decided not to field an opponent against Pankaja Munde, daughter of late Gopinath Munde, she has expressed her thanks to the Sena chief. She said, "Express my gratitude to Uddhav Thackeray for decision of not fielding any candidate against me.He has maintained family relations even after Mahayuti alliance has ended. I am grateful."
16:09 Yogeshwar clinches gold in 65kg wrestling event
Yogeshwar Dutt defeated Zalimkhan Yusupov of Tajikistan in the men's freestyle 65 kg category to bag the gold medal in the wrestling event. This is Dutt's first gold at the Asian Games and also India's first gold in wrestling at the Asian Games since 1986. Dutt had in 2012 won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
15:27 Hong Kong group launches civil disobedience campaign
Occupy Central, the Hong Kong democracy group pushing for genuine universal suffrage in the Chinese territory, launched its long-planned civil disobedience movement early on Sunday morning. There were scuffles with police as lines of officers pushed back surging crowds with riot shields. Many protesters wore goggles and wrapped their faces in plastic film in case police used pepper spray.
14:36 Jayalalithaa to apply for bail tomorrow
After spending a night in jail, AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa is all set to apply for bail tomorrow. Sources said that she will be approaching the Karnataka high court seeking bail in the in the disproportionate assets case. On Saturday, the court found her guilty and handed down a four year simple prison term and Rs 100 crore fine.
14:09 Now, Maharashtra under President's Rule
Two days after Prithviraj Chavan resigned as chief minister of Maharashtra, President's Rule has been imposed in the state. Chavan resigned from the CM's post after the Congress and NCP 15-year alliance came to an end and the NCP pulled out of the state government.
13:47 Maharashtra all set to go under President's rule
Two days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan resigned, President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday cleared the imposition of the President's Rule in the poll-bound state. The union cabinet met under the chairmanship of Home Minister Rajnath Singh and recommended President's Rule for Maharashtra.
13:12 FIRs filed against DMK chief and treasurer
FIRs have been filed against DMK President M Karunanidhi and his son and party treasurer M K Stalin in connection with a clash between their supporters and AIADMK workers in the wake of conviction of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in the assets case. Three FIRs were filed at the Royapettah police station against the two and several others here last night based on complaint by some AIADMK workers who alleged that a group of DMK workers attacked them with 'deadly weapons' near Karunanidhi's Gopalapuram residence.
13:04 Australia issues advisory to its citizens in India
The Australian government today issued a new travel advisory for its citizens in India following the unrest that has gripped the state of Tamil Nadu after the conviction and sentencing of its Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in a corruption case. Issuing the advisory, the government said, "Following the conviction and sentencing of the Tamil Nadu chief minister, we recommend that Australians in Chennai remain indoors over the weekend of September 27-28 due to increased tensions. In Bangalore, where the sentence was handed down, protests have resulted in police imposing prohibition orders in an area of 5km radius from the court and jail. You should avoid this area, be vigilant, and keep abreast of latest developments," it said.
12:34 Japan's volcano spews ash, rock
More than 30 people are feared dead near the peak of the Japanese volcano that erupted a day earlier, sending a huge cloud of ash and rock tumbling down its slopes, while packed with hikers. Police said they were found in a state of "cardiopulmonary" arrest, but declined to confirm their deaths pending a formal examination. Hundreds of people, including children, were stranded on Mount Ontake after it erupted without warning on Saturday, sending ash pouring down the slope for more than 3 km.
More than 40 people were injured, several with broken bones, and authorities were trying to confirm the whereabouts of 45 people, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said earlier.
11:54 HL Dattu sworn in as new Chief Justice of India
Justice Handyala Lakshminarayanaswamy Dattu was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India in a ceremony held today at Rashtrapati Bhavan,. He made and subscribed to the oath of office before the President.
11:14 AIADMK leaders to meet Jayalalithaa
After AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa spent a night in jail after she was convicted in the disproportionate assets case, leaders of her party arrived at the jail this morning to meet with her and discuss the future of the party and who will take on the role of CM.
Later in the day, the leaders will decide on the next CM, after Jayalalithaa was disqualified from politics for 10 years.
09:48 Pandher gets bail, released from Dasna jail
Moninder Singh Pandher, an accused in the serial killing of children in Noida near Nithari village, was released on Saturday from Dasna jail after the Allahabad High Court granted him bail. He was greeted by his son and relatives outside the jail. The 42-year-old Noida-based businessman was arrested in December 2006. The serial killings came to the light in December 2006 after discovery of human remains from a drain behind Pandher's house in Nithari in Noida on the outskirts of Delhi.
08:35 Jayalalithaa is now prisoner number 7402
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister spent her first night in prison on Saturday as prisoner number 7402. Her lawyers stated that Jayalalithaa did not have a comfortable night, as she complained of chest pains and was seeking to be shifted to a private hospital. After being found guilty by the court in the disproportionate assets case, the Tamil Nadu CM and chief of the AIADMK was shifted to Central Prison at Parapanna Agrahara.
Meanwhile, after facing a shutdown on Saturday, buses have started plying in three districts -- Tiruchi, Ramanathapuram, Dharmapuri and certain parts of Chennai. Governor Rosaiah met top police officials and the civil administration and asked them to step up security after protesters went on a rampage yesterday, even attacking media crew. Additionally, AIADMK MLAs will meet in Chennai this evening to elect a new CM.
07:58 Modi addresses crowd at New York's Central Park
After giving a rousing speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Global Citizen Festival in New York where he pitched for healthcare, clean water and sanitation for all. Modi said that he was happy to be in the open and not in a closed conference room. "I feel a current of hope in this park, I feel confident about the future of whole humanity. We want to lift poverty, make healthcare available to all, I know this is possible," he said.
03:19 Nepal PM Koirala congratulates Modi on his first UN speech
During bilateral meetings, Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala congratulated Modi on his first UN speech and promised full support for his initiative of having an International Yoga Day.
Modi told Koirala that he was looking forward to visit Nepal and said he would like to go to Janakpur and Lumbini, the birthplaces of Sita and Lord Buddha, respectively.
The prime minister also enquired about the status of bilateral projects he had announced during his Nepal trip.
Photograph: Paresh Gandhi/Rediff.com
03:14 Turkey inching toward alliance with US in Syria conflict
No American ally is closer to the threat of the Islamic State than Turkey, and no country could play a more important role in a coalition that President Obama is assembling to combat the extremist Sunni militants. Yet Turkey has been reluctant to enlist, in part because of the desperate conflict playing out on its border with Syria.
From frontier outposts, one can see black-clad Islamic State fighters climbing up a hill to peer down at Kobani, a besieged Kurdish city that has become the prize in a fierce battle between Syria's embattled Kurds and the rampaging Sunni militants.
03:13 Islamic nations lobbying Palestinians to go to ICC
The world's largest bloc of Islamic countries has been lobbying the Palestinians to join the International Criminal Court so it can prosecute Israeli political and military leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the bloc's leader said.
02:24 Sikh delegations meet PM Modi in New York
Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Syed Akbaruddin tweets: Pouring their heart out. Sikh delegations from USA & Canada meet PM Modi in New York.
01:31 Governor Chris Christie meets with Modi
Governor Chris Christie had an unannounced meeting with PM Narendra Modi at the NY Hotel Palace
Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) tweets:
Common interests. @GovChristie & PM @narendramodi share experiences of social media usage as tool of governance
01:16 George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin are married
It's official: George Clooney andAmal Alamuddin are husband and wife. The couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at the Aman Canal Grande luxury resort in Venice, Italy, on Saturday, PEOPLE confirms.
"George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin were married today in a private ceremony in Venice, Italy," the actor's rep said in a statement.
01:10 Fresh US-led airstrikes hit IS targets in Syria,Iraq: Pentagon
The Pentagon confirmed today a fresh round of air strikes by the US military and coalition partners against Islamic State group targets in Syria and Iraq.
The strikes hit seven targets in Syria, US Central Command said, including an IS building and two armed vehicles at the border crossing in the besieged Kurdish town of Ain al-Arab, also known as Kobane. The jihadist advance on the town has sent 160,000 refugees streaming into Turkey.
00:57 Modi visits key venues of UN at its headquarters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today went on a tour of key venues of the United Nations at its headquarters here including the Security Council chamber before delivering his maiden speech.
In the 15-minute tour, 64-year-old Modi visited the Trusteeship Council, one of the principal organs of the United Nations, and the venue of the Surya statue gifted in 1982 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
00:54 British warplanes return from Iraq without bombing
British warplanes flew their first mission over Iraq since parliament authorised strikes against Islamic State jihadists, but returned without bombing today, the Ministry of Defence in London said.
Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 combat jets returned to Britain's RAF Akrotiri base on Cyprus without dropping any of their load of Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, after a seven-hour mission that began before dawn from the Mediterranean island.
00:53 Kejriwal's daughter to launch AAP's student wing in IIT
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal's daughter Harshita has decided to join the party's student wing, Chhaatra Yuva Sangharsha Samiti (CYSS) which was launched today, and open its unit in IIT Delhi. The daughter of the former Delhi Chief Minister will launch and expand CYSS in IIT Delhi, where she is currently pursuing her graduation.
00:52 Russia's Lavrov slams US 'military interference'
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today accused the United States of resorting to "military interference" to defend its interests, in a veiled reference to the air campaign in Syria.
"Washington has openly declared its right to unilateral use of force anywhere to uphold its own interests," Lavrov told the UN General Assembly.
00:45
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held talks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, and Nepal PM Sushil Koirala.
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi/Rediff.com
00:23 Top headlines in that last 24 hours
33 minutes of ideas, statesmanship, PM makes an impact at UN
Jaya, first CM to be convicted for corruption
Violence, arson in Tamil Nadu following Jayalalithaa's conviction
Read PM Modi's address at the UN General Assembly
PIX: No nation free from threat of terror, says Modi at UNGA
Modi meets UN chief, refers to Sharif's remarks on Kashmir
PMK, MDMK, Congress hail Jayalalithaa's conviction
PHOTOS: Modi pays homage to 9/11 terror attack victims
Jayalalithaa conviction: Shops down shutter fearing violence
Jayalalithaa convicted, sentenced to 4 yrs in Jail; 100 cr fine
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances