Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck a deeply personal note in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, rewinding to his roots as a "poor boy" who sold tea in a small town and rose to the country's highest political office. Pics/PTI
Updated On: 2021-09-26 10:38 AM IST
PM Modi started his address by acknowledging the devastation that the coronavirus pandemic has caused across the globe. He also sais, 'I pay homage to all those who lost their lives in such a terrible pandemic and express my condolences to the families'.
He stressed on the importance of democracy by saying, "I can say with my own experience that democracy can deliver. Yes, democracy has delivered". "The strength of the democracy is demonstrated by the fact that a little boy who at one time used to help his father at his tea stall is today addressing the UNGA for the fourth time," PM Modi said. He added that, therefore, his governmet's priority is to make development all-inclusive.
He went on to imply that science and rational thinking could be a solution to several global problems. The threat of Regressive Thinking and Extremism is increasing in front of the world. Under these circumstances, the whole world must make Science-Based, Rational and Progressive Thinking the basis of development, he said.
Bringing up the Afghanistan crisis, he said, "Crucial to ensure Afghanistan territory is not used to spread terrorism or terror attacks. We need to be alert and ensure no country tries to take advantage of the delicate situation there and use it as a tool for their selfish interests."
Talking about India's heritage, Modi said that "India is the mother of democracy. "On 15 August this year, India entered the 75th year of independence. Our diversity is the identity of our strong democracy," he added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval listen to the speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (unseen) during the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Prime Minister Modi, who was on a three-day visit to the US, held his maiden bilateral meeting with US President Biden and attended the Quad leaders Summit.
PM Modi also met US Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House during which they decided to further cement the Indo-US strategic partnership and discussed global issues of common interest, including threats to democracy, Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific.
