NEW YORK: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is emerging as a global leader with his pluralistic vision and strong nationalism and penchant for public service, said Ambassador Dr Bhishma K. Agnihotri, former Ambassador-at-Large of Government of India here.
Addressing a seminar on “PM Narendra Modi and New World Order” organized by Global Citizens Forum at One UN Plaza Hotel to a packed audience, Dr Agnihotri said that the newest leader in the Indian subcontinent has arrived like a boon to bring in a new global order and peace.
India was used to passive leaders at the helm of affairs who sacrificed national interest and pride. The arrival of Modi on the scene heralded a refreshing change. In less than two months since taking office, he traveled to Nepal, Bhutan, BRICS Summit and now he has engaged Japanese leadership for fruitful cooperation. He is a leader with a clear vision and commitment to enhance the image of India, he added.
Dr Agnihotri said realizing the importance of BRICS, Modi ensured that India is at the top of the BRICS banking system of the group and thus play a pivotal role in shaping the policies in the years to come.
Modi enjoys the mandate of the nation to move forward on the road of inclusive development. India is now in safe hands and will rise again like a phoenix in the comity of nations earning respect and admiration of all. The golden era of India as envisioned by Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo will become a reality under Modi’s leadership, he added.
Historians predicted that in every 175 year cycle India will witness the emergence of a yogic leader who can provide vision and leadership and in 2011 India celebrated the 175th year of Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Dr Agnihotri said. “There is a divine power working through Modi as I had observed that when he talks, it is as though Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati combined are speaking through him.”
Modi is bound to succeed in his efforts as he is inspired by Vedic tradition and grounded in disciplined teachings of Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) that gave birth to patriotic nationalist leaders in India. The RSS produced some of the nation’s best selfless leaders who have no personal interest other than serving India and its people.
He has the combined values and virtues of a selfless leader with sincerity and honesty in approach. He does not hate anyone and loves all irrespective of color or creed. Of course Modi speaks from the position of strength and believes in India first, he said.
Modi has changed the face of the government after taking charge and sends the message that public service is his first priority. He ensures that everyone in government works hard and changed the psychology of government employees who had started to come on time to give their best to the nation.
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has said that India will shape the destiny of 21st Century. He said this while keeping Modi’s leadership in mind. The US needs India more than ever now being the largest democracy and strategic partner.
However, Modi is sending the message that he is neither pro-US nor pro-Russia but pro-India and would negotiate from position of strength. America should work with India now and the US administration needs to engage Modi, he said.
The Cold War era witnessed tension due to bipolar world of the US and the then USSR and the fall of Berlin Wall signaled the arrival of the unipolar world of America. With the arrival of China and re-emergence of Russia along with India, the world is witnessing a multi-polar scenario, which will usher in a new world order, Dr Agnihotri said.
Dr Bhupendra Kumar Modi, chairman (GCF) in his address, said that Narendra Modi is a true global citizen with nationalism in his heart.
Dr Dinesh Agarwal, a leading Indian-American scientist, said Modi government-in-action is crystallizing a new India. All the ministers, officers and bureaucrats work in tandem in national interest that has never been seen in the last 60 years. He is committed to nation’s progress and to make India a Shreshtha Bharat.
Prakash M Swamy
