Using an unusual platform of a rock concert, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked on Sunday a "can do" attitude of youth to change India and the world, while addressing a thousands-strong crowd which gathered for "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.
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Modi shares stage with Hugh Jackman at Global Citizen Festival 2014
Amid performances by various singers, Modi was introduced to the crowd by actor Hugh Jackman as someone who started as a "tea salesman" and went on to become chief minister of Gujarat and then 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. "Because you are the future. What you do today, will decide our tomorrow. I feel a current of hope in this park. Among you, I feel confident about the future," he said.
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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 '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," he 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.
Also read:Ready for dialogues with Pak, but not under terror shadow: PM Modi in UN speech
Read: Modi invites Indian-American business leaders to India
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 '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," he 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.
Also read:Ready for dialogues with Pak, but not under terror shadow: PM Modi in UN speech
Full coverage:Modi in US