Diversity is India’s strength: Modi
AT WEMBLEY STADIUM Says if Sufism is allowed more influence on Islam, no one would turn to guns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said diversity was India’s pride as he addressed a huge rally at London’s Wembley Stadium after a spectacle of dance and music witnessed by tens of thousands waving the tri-colour and chanting ‘Modi, Modi’ on Friday.
Modi was introduced by British Prime Minister David Cameron as a crowd of up to 60,000 roared at one of the UK’s most famous sporting venues. Modi described Cameron as a “friend of India” whose warm welcome made him feel at home. “It’s a historic day for the two great democracies,” he said.
Performer sat the gala included singer Kanika Kapoor, the London Phil harmonic Orchestra, pop star Jay Sean and several classical, folk art and contemporary music artists.
Modi, who earlier had lunch with Queen Elizabeth II on the second day of his UK visit, said: “The world sees India as a land of opportunities. And we will make sure that our nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the world.”
He added: “India is full of youth, there is no reason for us to remain poor.” He said much water had flowed down the Thames since his last visit 12 years ago.
“If Sufism had been allowed to have more influence on Islam, no one would have ever taken up a gun in their hands,” Modi added.
Cameron endorsed India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. “Team India, Team UK, together we are a winning combination,” he said.
Indian pop and Hindi playback singer Alisha Chinai also performed as people waited for Modi’s address, singing her evergreen tune Made in India” from the album of the same name.
The event was reportedly funded by the Europe India Forum, a non-profit company formed by British-Indian businessman Nathu Puri. Attendees were bussed in from around the country with a fleet of shuttle buses dubbed the Modi Express.