Using the unusual platform of a rock concert, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invoked the "can do" attitude of youth to change India and the world while addressing a thousands-strong crowd which gathered for the third annual 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 off as a "tea salesman" and went on to become the chief minister of Gujarat, and then the prime minister of India with a huge mandate.
Addressing the crowd, Modi also sent his "Namaste" to 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. "For the youth, because you are the future, what you do today will decide our tomorrow. Sometimes I need to say that if we sacrifice our today, our tomorrow will be more beautiful. I feel a current of hope in this park among you and I feel confident about the future of the whole human race and it is because of this crowd," he said.
Hailing the Global Citizen movement to end poverty and provide education and basic sanitation to all, Modi said, "Some believe that the world changes with the wisdom of the old. I think that the idealism, innovation, energy and the 'can do' attitude of the youth is even more powerful."
"That is my hope for India too (for) 800 million youth joining hands to transform our nation," Modi added.
Modi said he decided to come to the festival to extend his support and to express his belief that youth of India can join them in this global effort.
Speaking of his plans for India, Prime Minister Modi said, "A hundred million youth joining hands to transform our nation, to put the light of hope in every eye and the joy of belief in every heart, lead people out of poverty, put clean water and sanitation within the reach of all, make healthcare available to all, a roof over every head."
"I know it is possible because I feel a new sense of purpose, energy and will in India because India's youth can see that you are joining hands with them because I believe that we can speak with one voice for one future that is why I am here because I believe in you," he added.
Prime Minister Modi, who usually speaks in Hindi, addressed the gathering in English, saying, "This is a great city; it has assimilated the world within itself. Today you have shown that you also care about the world outside. I am truly glad to be in the open Central Park and not inside a closed conference room."
"You are touching the lives of those who are not as fortunate as you and what an admirable act this is. What a sacred mission to think about those who are far, whose faces you have not seen and whose names you do not know and whose nationality does not matter for you," he added.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his pride for those present on the occasion.
"For you to convert your thoughts into action and devote your time and energy so that others may have a better future, to those living in poverty without education, without basic sanitation, without opportunity and worse, without hope, I salute you. I feel proud of each one of you and I am sure your family, your friends and your nation feels the same," he said.
Prime Minister Modi ended his speech with a Star Wars reference, saying "May the Force be with you."
