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conference link from New Jersey to his residence at Ghandinagar. The US authorities had denied the controversial politician a visa because they believe that his avowedly pro-Hindu political agenda has helped to provoke inter-communal violence and prejudice against Muslims. Mr. Modi denies this and in his speech sought to assure Americans that his vision of Hinduism was inclusive and that he was committed to reaching across religious and other boundaries. "We believe in nurturing human values the Gandhian way. The democratic way Mahatma Gandhi showed us to fight injustice and protect virtue is the right way," he told his audience, who braved rain and freezing temperatures to watch his video address. He reminded Indian Americans that 'the guiding
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r. Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, India, addressed an audience of five thousand mainly IndianAmericans at Madison Square Garden in New Jersey on 21 March 2005. He appealed directly to the growing Indian Diaspora in North America, whom he urged to act as 'ambassadors' for their country's rich heritage and tradition. "You are the carriers of Indian pride," he told them. "You are the very best in the world, in business, enterprise and innovations. None can match our co-operation, courtesy and hospitality."
The Chief Minister did not address the crowds in person, as originally intended, but by video
SPREADING INSPIRATION
Jain Education International
hree Chitrabhanuji and Kenya have always had a special relationship. Ask any Kenyan Jain
and they will have a story to tell about their experience of the guru coming to their country. It was at his suggestion in 1971 that eventually the idea of a
principles of our culture are vasudhaiv kutumbakam (the Earth is a family) and sarvey bhavantu sukhina (let all the people of the world be happy).
The Chief Minister praised India's democracy, its economic expansion and increasingly skilled population. He said that Gujarat represented the best of India and was "one of the most progressive and promising states in the country" and had been from the days of the freedom struggle. Mr. Modi pointed out that India and the USA are the world's two largest democracies, with many shared beliefs, traditions and historical experiences. The Gujarati Diaspora, in India and elsewhere, has "shown the highest levels of professionalism," Mr. Modi said.
community centre was conceived and built by the Oshwal Jain Centre on spacious land and fresh air environment in the heart of Nairobi. He has visited Kenya seven times and made his eighth on invitation to Nairobi for the Temple's Anniversary in February 2005. He performed seven lectures with his
The Chief Minister's address was given in a combination of Hindi and English. It was preceded by two video presentations, Gujarat Unlimited and Vibrant Gujarat. AIDAN RANKIN
subjects touching upon awakening the spirit of self-realisation and emphasising that it is through the mind that we reach the soul. Even though these lectures were held in a very large auditorium, additional projection screens and sitting arrangements had to be made outside in order to accommodate the huge number of attendees.
During this trip he also visited, guided and blessed five schools, a hospital, a hostel, Welfare Centres, and other Institutions run by the Oshwal Community. He expressed his appreciation to Members of Oshwal Education Board and the Principals of Schools who have all been an inspiration to the children and who serve the cause of humanity with dedication and devotion..
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