PM's remarks at the Global Citizens Festival, Central Park, New York City

Published By : Admin | September 27, 2014 | 22:47 IST

How are you doing, New York...
I hope, you are having, a good time...

Namaste. My greetings, to all those, watching on TVs, laptops, tablets and phones, as well. 

Glo cit 684_1

This, is a great city. It has assimilated, the world, in itself. 
Today, you have shown, that you also care, for the world outside. 

I am truly delighted, to be here. In the open Central Park. And not inside, a closed Conference Room... 
Among the Youth. Among you. 
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...

You are touching, the lives of those, who are not as fortunate, as you are. What an admirable act, this is. What a sacred mission.

For you to think, about those, who are far. Whose faces, you have not seen. Whose names, you do not know. Whose nationality, does not matter to you.

Glo cit 684_2

For you to convert, your thoughts into action. And devote, your time, and energy. So that others, may have a better future too.

Those living in poverty. Without education. Without basic sanitation. Without opportunity. And worse, without hope.

I salute you. I feel proud, of each one of you. I am sure, your families, your friends, your nation, feels just as proud.

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. 800 million youth, joining hands, to transform our nation. 
To put, the light of hope, in every eye. And, the joy of belief, in every heart. Lift people, out of poverty. Put clean water, and sanitation, within the reach of all. Make healthcare, available to all. A roof, over every head. 

Glo cit 684_3

I know, it is possible...
Because, I feel, a new sense of purpose, energy, and will, in India. 
Because, India’s youth, can see that, you are joining hands, with them.
Because, I believe, that we can speak with one voice. For one future...

That, is why, I am here.
Because, I believe in you...

Let me end, with a few lines in Sanskrit, that inspire me, personally:

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः।
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु।
मा कश्चित् दुःख भाग्भवेत्॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

May All, be prosperous, and happy.
May All, be free from illness.
May All, see what is spiritually uplifting. 
May no one, suffer.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace...

Thank you once again, for having me over.
Thanks in particular, to Hugh Jackman here.

God bless you all. 
May the Force be with You...

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2014

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2014

Explore More
140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day

Popular Speeches

140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day
Indian banks outperform global peers in digital transition, daily services

Media Coverage

Indian banks outperform global peers in digital transition, daily services
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Terrorism won't break India's spirit: PM Modi
April 24, 2025

India grieves the tragic loss of innocent lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. At the National Panchayati Raj Day event in Madhubani, Bihar, PM Modi led the nation in mourning, expressing profound sorrow and outrage. A two-minute silence was observed to honour the victims, with the entire nation standing in solidarity with the affected families.

In a powerful address in Madhubani, Bihar, PM Modi gave a clarion call for justice, unity, resilience and India’s undying spirit in the face of terrorism. He condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and outlined a resolute response to those threatening India’s sovereignty and spirit.

Reflecting on the tragic attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, PM Modi expressed profound grief, stating, “The brutal killing of innocent citizens has left the entire nation in pain and sorrow. From Kargil to Kanyakumari, our grief and outrage are one.” He extended solidarity to the affected families, assuring them that the government is making every effort to support those injured and under treatment. The PM underscored the unified resolve of 140 crore Indians against terrorism. “This was not just an attack on unarmed tourists but an audacious assault on India’s soul,” he declared.

With unwavering determination, PM Modi vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, asserting, “Those who carried out this attack and those who conspired it will face a punishment far greater than they can imagine. The time has come to wipe out the remnants of terrorism. India’s willpower will crush the backbone of the masters of terrorism.” He further reinforced India’s global stance, stating from Bihar’s soil, “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers, pursuing them to the ends of the earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished, and the entire nation stands firm in this resolve.”

PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the various countries, their leaders and the people who have stood by India in this hour of grief, emphasizing that “everyone who believes in humanity is with us.”