"He Makes Us Feel Confident": Modi's US Visit Has Desi Fans Thrilled.

"He Makes Us Feel Confident": Modi's US Visit Has Desi Fans Thrilled.

                    Amidst the backdrop of intense US Presidential election campaigns, a different excitement is taking hold among the Indian-American community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States has galvanised Indian-American youth, especially those who see him as a figure of inspiration. On September 22, 2024, at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, the excitement will culminate in a grand cultural event featuring over 80 young performers.

Thirteen-year-old Mahita Pendota, along with her group from East Coast's Shivaay Dance Academy, will take the stage to perform a "traditional garba with a Bollywood twist", symbolising the blending of Indian and American cultures that many young Indian-Americans experience daily.

The event, dubbed ‘Modi and US, Progress Together’, highlights the widespread enthusiasm among Indian-American families. Rohan Virdi, co-founder of the Shivaay Dance Academy, captures the sentiment, stating, “Parents are willing to do anything possible to make sure their kids are part of this show.

Even if they don’t attend, they don’t want their children to miss seeing Modiji.” This passion stems not just from a connection to India’s political landscape but also from the pride Indian-Americans feel in their heritage, which Prime Minister Modi has helped bolster.
Bridging Culture Through Dance and Politics

The excitement among young Indian-Americans isn’t just about the politics, it’s about the cultural pride Modi’s visit evokes. Sandesh Shetty, a former Bollywood choreographer and now head of New Jersey's Rudra Dance Academy, has prepared his students for the event by focusing on more than just dance. He emphasises the importance of teaching culture, festivals, and even current events in India. His students are as excited about Modi’s visit as they are about their performance. “They know a lot about Modi,” Shetty explains. “When they found out the Prime Minister was coming, they were thrilled to be a part of this.” His group will also present a Bollywood-style performance, reflecting how deeply Bollywood culture is embedded in the identity of young Indian-Americans.

For many, the Prime Minister’s visit is not just a political spectacle but a cultural milestone. Agrima Agnihotri, a US-raised graduate and one of the event’s volunteers, expresses her excitement to see Modi in person. Like her Indian immigrant parents, Agrima sees Modi as a visionary who has “put India in a good light” internationally. “Modiji is an inspiration,” she says proudly, “not just in India, but for us across the oceans.” She credits him with making Indian-American youth feel “cool” about their heritage, helping them embrace their identity with confidence, especially in a multicultural society like the United States.

The Influence of Modi on Indian-American Youth

Modi’s influence on Indian-American youth, particularly second-generation immigrants, is profound. Agrima notes that after Modi became Prime Minister, “India is much more respected than before,” making her feel more confident when interacting with her non-Indian peers. She isn’t alone in feeling this way. Many young Indian-Americans view Modi as a role model, someone who has helped shift the narrative about India on the global stage. His leadership has given them a sense of pride, especially in a time when identity and belonging are crucial issues for immigrant communities.

However, this admiration for Modi is not universal. Indian-Americans, like any other immigrant community, are diverse. While many young Indian-Americans are excited about his visit, there are others who are less connected to Indian politics, reflecting the complexity of the diaspora experience. Temple University’s Dr Sanjoy Chakravorty, co-author of The Other One Percent: Indians in America, acknowledges the difficulty in generalising political opinions within the Indian-American community. “By and large, the second-generation children have very little political knowledge of India,” he says, although he recognises that Modi’s popularity is especially strong among Indian-Americans of Gujarati origin. This cultural affinity is particularly pronounced in regions like New Jersey, New York, and Chicago, where Gujarati families are well-represented.

Navigating Two Worlds: American and Indian Identities

For many Indian-Americans, the dominant culture remains American, even as they maintain connections to their Indian roots. Dr Chakravorty points out that the American political landscape, with its 24/7 media coverage, often overshadows politics in India for those growing up in the US. “The American political horse race is constantly in their face,” he explains. As a result, while some second-generation Indian-Americans reject their parents’ political leanings, others embrace them, creating a spectrum of political engagement within the community.

This dual identity is part of what makes Modi’s visit so significant. It offers a chance for Indian-Americans to reconnect with their heritage while also engaging with the political and cultural currents of their adopted home. For those attending the event at the Nassau Coliseum, it is an opportunity to celebrate their Indian identity in a uniquely American setting. The event has attracted over 29,700 sign-ups from across 42 states, reflecting the eagerness of Indian-Americans to be part of this momentous occasion.

A Bubble of Enthusiasm

Despite the widespread excitement, Dr Chakravorty warns that the enthusiasm surrounding Modi’s visit may represent a “particular bubble” within the larger Indian-American community. Not all Indian-Americans share the same level of enthusiasm for Modi or Indian politics. Nonetheless, for those who do, this visit is a chance to be part of something bigger—a networking opportunity at the highest level, as Chakravorty describes it. “Being at a Prime Minister event is high visibility. Getting a picture with the Prime Minister is something people will cherish, showcase, and share widely.”

Building Bridges Between Nations

The rally at the Nassau Coliseum is just one part of Modi’s larger visit to the US, which also includes meetings with corporate leaders, participation in the UN General Assembly, and discussions on climate change. Organisations like Indiaspora, a secular and non-partisan group with strong ties to both US and Indian administrations, play a key role in facilitating these engagements. According to their Executive Director, Sanjeev Joshipura, this visit goes beyond the public events, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Ultimately, Modi’s visit is not just a political event; it’s a cultural celebration that transcends borders, generations, and even political affiliations. For many Indian-Americans, especially the youth, it’s a chance to feel proud of their heritage and confident in their identity, knowing that the world is watching as India’s story continues to unfold on the global stage.