London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been facing severe criticism and battling the wave against him, but that hasn’t dented his popularity amongst the Indian diaspora.
The PM’s popularity was at display at the Wembley Stadium which was nearly full to its capacity as Indian origin Indians thronged from all parts of Britain. The stadium famously holds football matches and musical concerts, thus, Modi was an unlikely performer there.
A banner displaying ‘ticket sold out’ confirmed that the organisers of ‘UKWelcomesModi’, kept their promise of holding “a mega show bigger than other countries”. This was definitely bigger than the gathering at the Madison square in New York or at Dubai Stadium in terms of fanfare, as this was the first time in last several decades that an Indian leader addressed the British-Indian population.
Despite being a working day, many chose to take a day off, to hear Modi’s speech. Several British-Indians who travelled from Reading, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and more, to catch a glimpse of Modi’s oratory skills.
Despite the rains playing a spoil sport, the audience consisting of children and the elderly braved the freezing cold to show their adulation for the PM. Modi did live up to his reputation of being a skilled orator. He asked people to look beyond what is shown on “TV and what the newspaper headlines suggested”. His hero was “Imran Khan of Alwar,” who made apps for the education of village children, as these are the ordinary people who make Indian and extra ordinary place.
Let’s check out the highlights of #Modiatwembley which was more of a Modi's rock show are:
Rise of a new diplomatic bromance:
After the bromance between the US president Barack Obama and Modi who profusely praised each other and referred each other by their first names, UK saw another bromance on rise. David Cameron and Modi displayed a unique chemistry, as they walked together, had vegetarian meals together and finally hugged each other on the stage at Wembley Stadium.
New identity for the British-Indians:
Modi touched upon all the points that mobilised the large British Indian community. They were referred to as the “real ambassadors of a diverse country called India.” “We know how to live together and the Indian Diaspora showed the power of India to the world,” said Modi, who was successful in making NRI’s feel a part of India.
Dave Cameron struck a chord with Indian diaspora at the UK:
During his election campaign Dave Cameron visited gurudwaras and temples to mobilise the British Indian vote bank. He used Wembley stadium as a platform to strengthen the ties. He managed to floor Modi loyalists by addressing “Kem Cho” Gujarat. He further showed his faith on Modi by summing up with “Achche din jaroor aayenge.” Wife Samantha Cameron was seen in an embellished saree.
Projected as a community festival:
Modi has been successful in his power show and the unprecedented support enjoyed by the Diaspora. He pacified the protesting Sikh community by meeting them and hailing their contributions in building the nation. The audience dubbed it as "celebration of their Indian roots'. The overwhelmed British-Indians, who waited for the special occasion to come face to face with Modi, were pleased as he walked across to wave out to them in close quarters.
Mandatory musical extravaganza:
Nothing can lure Indians as much as a strong shot of musical and dance fare. The entire evening was perfectly padded with colourful cultural show, painstakingly rehearsed for over three months by 600 performers from India and UK. A British band playing Mera Juta hai Japani and Alisha Chenai crooning her famous Indi-pop song ‘Made In India’ and Yoga performance by local artists. British Indian singer Naveen Kundra, Jay Sean, Kanika Kapoor kept the audience entertained till Modi’s extravagant show started.
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