Premier addresses more than 18,000 at MSG.
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told more than 18,000 Indian Americans gathered at the Madison Square Garden that the PIO and OCI cards would be merged and all such cardholders would be given lifetime visas.
These cardholders are not required to report at police stations in India anymore, if they are on an extended visit to the country, the prime minister said to a huge applause.
In another policy statement, Modi said India will issue long term visas to US citizens and also grant them visas on arrival in India.
The speech was full of populist and nationalist themes.
The crowd was on its feet when Modi said that he became the prime minister by selling tea. He also referred to India’s youth and poor people. Saying that he wants to do big things for small people, Modi said he would build more toilets.
“Gandhi gave us independence… So on the 150th year of Gandhi’s birth anniversary, in 2019, we want to give a clean India for him,” the prime minister said.
He also vowed housing for the poor. “I have a vision: in 2022, on India’s 75 anniversary, I have a dream and vision to have housing for all,” he said.
Speaking of India’s youth, the prime minister said they will rule the world.
He also referred to the country’s Mars mission.
“Since I took over the responsibility of the prime minister, I have not taken vacation for even 15 minutes,” he said.
More to follow….
2 Comments
With a well known fact that Indian Birth and Death Registration Act came into effect only in 1968, why are the embassies and visa issuing agencies asking for birth certificate for PIOs born before 1968. This is how corruption rises..
Proofread your headlines.