The 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event is being organised by Thai Indians.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the growing influence of India on the international stage on the first day of his Thailand visit today, claiming that its values will contribute immensely to shaping the world in the years to come. In his address at an event organised by the Indian community in Bangkok, PM Modi also described the strong ties that bind India with Thailand.
"Friends, have you given a thought to how deep our relation with India has become? What's the reason for this? There is a simple answer for this: Our relationship is not one that exists between governments. Through all of history, because of every historical incident, our relations have been lifted to new heights," he said, even as the crowds responded with loud chants of "Modi, Modi".
The event, 'Sawasdee PM Modi', is being organised by Thai Indians, in close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Bangkok.
The event comes after the mega Howdy Modi event in US on September 23 which attracted more than 50,000 people. US president Donald Trump also addressed the Indian community at the event.
Here are the highlights of PM Modi's speech at 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event:
- I have come to take part in ASEAN summit. This is my first official visit to Thailand.
- To address the Indian community at this event, I am in Thailand, among you all today. But I don't feel that I am in a foreign land. The ambiance, the attire, everything here makes me feel at home.
- The affinity, the royal family of Thailand has for India, symbolizes our deep friendly and historical relations.Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is a scholar of Sanskrit and her relation to India is deep. We are fortunate that India has shown our gratitude to her through Padma Bhushan award and Sanskrit Samman.
- We are very close to each other not only on the basis of language but also the sentiments. You told me 'Sawasdee Modi', this has connection with the Sanskrit word 'Swasti' which means welfare".
- Our relations are not just between governments. Reality is that in all of history, in every historical incident, our relations have strengthened and have lifted it to new heights.
- India's values live inside you. I am proud when people praise India.
- When India says anything, world listens. You would have seen it in Thailand also.
- Over 130 crore Indians today are dedicated to progress of new India.
- In the Lok Sabha elections this year, for the first time in history the highest number of voters - 60 crore voters, cast their votes. This is the biggest incident in the democracy across the world. Every Indian should be proud of it.
- This time, there are more women MPs in Lok Sabha - the largest number since independence.
- Our commitment to democracy is so deep that a polling booth was set up for one person in Gir Somnath, Gujarat.
- India, Myanmar, Thailand highway, trilateral highway, once it starts, it will have seamless connectivity.
- We are pushing towards our goal to make India a 5 trillion economy. Your participation is also important in this.
- Youth from ASEAN nation can take post doctoral fellowship in IITs. I request Thai students to take advantage of this.
- OCI card holders can enroll in new pension scheme. Our embassy is available 24x7 for the purpose.