‘Americans dancing to the tunes of Naatu Naatu’: PM Modi at State dinner address
NEW DELHI,JUNE 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a State visit to the US, on Thursday (US local time) highlighted the strong people-to-people connection between the two countries, saying they were getting to know each other better with every passing day.
Delivering his remarks at the official dinner with US President Joe Biden standing by his side, PM Modi invoked the iconic superhero character Spiderman and the Oscar-winning ‘Naatu Naatu’ song from SS Rajamouli’s RRR movie.
“With every passing day, Indians and Americans are getting to know each other better… Kids in India become Spiderman on Halloween and America’s youth are dancing to the tunes of ‘Naatu Naatu’,” the prime minister said amidst laughter in the audience.
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PM Modi is currently on a State visit to the US. He arrived in New York on June 20 and led the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations headquarters.
He then proceeded to Washington and held bilateral talks with Joe Biden at the White House.
The prime minister also gave several gifts to Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. He also gave an address to a joint session of the US Congress. After the address, PM Modi joined Biden for the official dinner.
The prime minister lauded the contribution of Indian Americans, saying they have come a long way in the US and played a significant role in strengthening the inclusive society and economy of the country. He also said they also found a respectful place in the “melting pot” of the US.
“Be it hospitals or hotels, university or research labs, gas stations or logistics, management or IT, they are making their mark everywhere. Some of them are even at the White House,” PM Modi said.
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PM Modi also wished success to the US cricket team trying to qualify for Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in India later this year.
“Amidst the love for baseball, cricket is also getting popular in the US. The American team is trying their best to qualify for the Cricket World Cup to be held in India later this year. I wish them good luck and success,” he said.
The prime minister described Biden as a “soft-spoken person”, but when it came to action, he was “very strong”.
“In the last five decades, through all the sweeping changes in the world, you (Joe Biden) have worked hard in the service of the nation and the entire humanity,” PM Modi stressed.
PM Modi thanked Joe Biden and Jill Biden for hosting him for the state dinner and ensuring that his visit to the US was successful.
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Wrapping up his speech, PM Modi asked Joe Biden to join him in raising the toast.
“A toast to our wonderful hosts, President Biden and Jill Biden. A toast to good health, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, liberty, equality and to the ever-lasting bonds of friendship between India and the US,” the Prime Minister stated, following which he and Joe Biden clinked their glasses.
-PTI
