The much anticipated “Howdy, Modi!” event lived up to expectations with an attendance of over 60,000 people. This was the first time that Donald Trump and PM Modi- leaders of the two largest democracies of the world were addressing a joint rally in the US and it was only natural that it generated unprecedented enthusiasm. Despite floods affecting the city, there was an overwhelming turnout at the NRG stadium, of Indian Americans, NRIs, people of Indian origin, Hindu Americans and other fans of PM Modi and President Trump. PM Modi was clearly the centre of attraction of the grand event. His phenomenal speech in which he clearly did not mince his words and spoke his heart out got the crowd on its feet in an atmosphere of great triumph and merriment. The manner in which PM Modi spoke, the setting of the event and the way PM Modi was able to capture the imagination of the audience, absolutely everything about the Houston event showcased PM Modi’s might.
The event managed to capture the imagination of the viewers not only because of the mammoth crowd and the build up prior to the massive event but also because of the sheer innovation and conviction shown by PM Modi in his speech. He was very clear about what he was trying to express and managed to drive home his point successfully. The manner in which PM Modi took up the issue of Pakistan sponsored terrorism and also mentioned India’s recent move on Kashmir abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution, shows both India’s diplomatic advantage over its neighbour and his bold approach towards the entire issue.
PM Modi spoke about Article 370 in an eloquent and skillful manner by stating, “For 70 years a big challenge that India faced has been given farewell to.” He then asked the audience if they knew what he was talking about in the background of loud cheers. He then went on to say, “Article 370 was another big challenge that was given farewell to. It kept people away from the benefits of development, and from equality, and it was being used by separatists and terrorists. The Constitution that is for the rest of India is now also for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. All the discrimination that women, children and Dalits were facing, has been ended.” He added, “They (Pakistan) have made hatred towards India the centre of their agenda. They support and harbor terrorists. The time has come for a decisive fight against terrorism and those who support it.”
It is relevant to mention here that Pakistan has been aggressively pushing the Article 370 abrogation issue at all bilateral and multilateral levels. An entire ecosystem has been only furthering the massive misinformation campaign started by Pakistan. By making a bold remark on this issue right ahead of Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s meeting with the US President Donald Trump, PM Modi has, comfortably and gracefully, given a stern message not only to Pakistan but to the entire ecosystem which must have been left aghast even as PM Modi spoke eloquently from a clear position of strength. This single aspect of his speech captures the broad theme of the event, a clear display of the might of the head of government of India.
In what also came as a rare move showcasing Indo-US friendship, the traditional Presidential emblem was replaced by the “India-US dosti flag” emblem from the presidential lectern. This is significant not only because it is reflective of the close ties shared by India and the United States but also because as a matter of tradition, every lectern carries a presidential emblem every time the US President speaks. This tradition applies to speeches at all platforms including joint speeches or electoral speeches or domestic/overseas engagement. The replacement of the Presidential seal by the “India-US dosti flag” emblem is not just a mere reflection of the kind of ties that India shares with the US or the kind of priority that is accorded to the head of the government of India. It is much more than that. It is a major departure from a long-standing tradition. A departure that has been made specifically for the Houston event with PM Modi occupying the centrestage.
Another important factor which made PM Modi the immediate highlight of the event was the presence and the key role of the Indian-Americans at the grand event. Emphasising upon this, PM Modi said, “Today 50,000 Indians here are representatives of our great culture. We take along principles of diversity and democracy everywhere we go.” In what came as a much more reflection of the crucial role played by the Indian community in the US, PM Modi said, “Millions around the world in different time zones, are with us today, they are witnessing history in the making. Mr President, you had introduced me to your family in 2017 and today I have the honour to introduce you to my family.” The way President Trump reacted to this with a wide smile only corroborated the significant role played by the Indian-American community in the US. PM Modi spoke authoritatively affirming the close bilateral ties shared between India and the US.
While the atmosphere of the event was indeed electrifying with PM Modi immediately emerging as the most important man at that particular moment, it is important to understand what the event truly means as far as PM Modi’s might is concerned. The Houston event marks the emergence of PM Modi as a truly global leader. From being denied Visa by the US in 2005 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, following the relentless propaganda against him, PM Modi has really come a long way. Having returned for a second term, PM Modi has emerged as a bold leader at the global level backed by a humongous mandate and unbeatable domestic popularity. This is one of the reasons why the Houston event came as a strong reflection of the authoritative status that PM Modi currently enjoys. The way he spoke about a critical issue like Article 370 in front of the US President and American lawmakers, consisting both Republicans and Democrats shows the sheer might and reputation that Modi enjoys when he represents India as her Prime Minister. The Houston event would go down in memory lane as the moment which truly showcased PM Modi’s might.