“Electrifying is an understatement to describe the atmosphere at the Dubai Cricket Ground. A big thank you!” tweeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his recently concluded, highly anticipated visit to the United Arab Emirates. All the news channels, social media platforms, and newspapers worldwide were splashed with news of his visit, his interactions and his dynamic address to 50,000 Indians on August 17.
Though I wasn’t in Dubai at that time, I was following the historic “Marhaba Namo” event online and felt a part of the euphoria. Gates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai Sports City opened at 4pm for the proceedings to begin at 6.30pm.
Modi’s speech began at 8pm. Giant LCD screens and video walls were set up inside and outside the stadium to give everyone a fair chance to watch the Prime Minister’s power-packed speech. And to provide respite to the thousands of enthusiasts in the intense August humidity, tender coconut water bottles and hand fans were being generously distributed. Loud chants of “Modi! Modi” reverberated through the stadium.
India came of age in the UAE this week in an epic show of political, social and economic clout. The Prime Minister hit all the right notes in a speech that received a rock-star response. In an extraordinary interaction between him and Indians in Dubai, we witnessed interplay of mutual love, respect and tremendous hope that no Indian leader has ever attracted outside India. Modi has touched the pulse of today’s Indian, who is hungry to see change.
It has been a good month for Indians; not only in Dubai but all over the world. Apart from Modi’s momentous visit to UAE, it was also the week of our 69th Independence Day. Celebrations were rampant all over the city with the best Indian food offerings, flag hoisting and celebrations.
Another reason for Indians to celebrate was the announcement of India-born and bred Sundar Pichai as Google’s new CEO. It’s the second year in a row that an Indian has been put at the helm of one of the most powerful companies of the world; after Satya Nadella was made the CEO of Microsoft last year.
To me, nothing can be more inspiring than witnessing people rise from modest backgrounds to take on big leadership roles that impact the world. These are people who grew up in an India where the middle class worked hard to give their children the best education possible. Despite their limited resources, they have risen above all the excuses. They are the ones who make us immensely proud to be Indian.
