PM Modi calls upon forces of humanity to join hands to defeat terrorism

Asserting that the world is facing two critical issues of global warming and terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon forces of humanity to join hands to defeat terrorism.

"The world is facing two critical issues - global warming and terrorism. The sooner forces of humanity join hands, the sooner we can defeat terrorism," said the Prime Minister while addressing 20,000 members of the Indian Community at Kasarani Stadium Complex of Moi International Sports Centre here, adding that India can show the way when it comes to mitigating the menace of climate change.

Commending the Indian community in Kenya for maintaining contact with their Indian roots despite adversity, Prime Minister Modi said he has experienced the full diversity of India and all its fragrances in Kenya.

"You are the true ambassadors of India, the living embodiments of India's eternal values," said the Prime Minister while praising the role of the India Diaspora.

Stating that whatever be the reason and compulsions behind the ancestors of Indians coming to Kenya, he added, "You made it your own land and worked for Kenya's progress.

Terming Africa "vital" for India, the Prime Minister said, "We hosted the India-Africa Summit, where heads of state of African nations came to India. Africa is very vital for India. Our journeys have been shared. We have nurtured and nourished each other in good times and bad."

"India is not a selfish nation. India does not believe in the narrow ideology of self interest alone. We believe in Vasudeva Kutumbakam, the entire world is our family. It is because of you all that the world's way of looking at India has changed and they look at India in a way that makes us all happy," he added.

Saying that at a time when the world is going through an economic downturn, India is the only bright spot, the Prime Minister said, "My intention and desire is to take India's growth rate to 8 percent and beyond. We gave an impetus to good governance and to bring a positive difference in the lives of our citizens. "The main driving force of India's steadfast march on the path of development is the resolve, desire and hard work of 1.25 crore Indians."

"Through the 'Narendra Modi App' you will get all details about what I am doing and you will also know about the Government," he said.

Talking about rural electrification in India and how the Garv App gives timely information on this, the Prime Minister said, "This App will tell you about electrification of villages, a task we have been doing very diligently. Improving the quality of life for the ordinary Indian, that is the main task of my government."

Hailing the Indian youth as "intelligent" who have the strength to "turn soil into gold" in foreign land as well, Prime Minister Modi said, "To tap into the energy of our 800 million youth, we have started a new campaign called 'Start Up India'."

He said the world acknowledges the prowess of our space scientists, who just launched 20 satellites in one go.

He concluded his address by thanking the Indian community in Kenya once again.

A glittering cultural programme was also presented ahead of Prime Minister Modi's address, where Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also joined him.

"Surprise guest for the community programme in Nairobi...President @UKenyatta joins the programme, meets PM." tweets the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Welcoming Prime Minister Modi, President Kenyatta said, "Ours is a relationship that spans well over a hundred years. The fundamental basis of our partnership must remain people to people engagement."

"Glad to have welcomed India's Prime Minister @narendramodi when he met the Indian community in Kenya at Kasarani," tweeted President Kenyatta.

In turn, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Kenyatta for his presence.

"Glad that President @UKenyatta has joined us for the community programme in Nairobi," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.