The Indian diaspora and Americans nationwide are showing overwhelming interest in attending the community reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York, surpassing the venue’s capacity.
Avinash Gupta, President of the tri-state chapter of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), noted, “There is immense enthusiasm to see the Prime Minister and hear his message” at the reception on September 22. The event has received over 25,000 ticket requests from people in 42 states, and organizers are working to accommodate as many attendees as possible.
The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which seats only 18,000, is being expanded with temporary seating.
Registrations for the event will be open until noon on September 1, with passes distributed via lottery. For those unable to attend, the reception will be simulcast on large screens at Times Square and in locations like Edison, New Jersey.
Approximately 560 organizations are co-sponsoring the event, which will celebrate the achievements of the Indian diaspora and strengthen US-India ties. Cultural programs showcasing Indian heritage will precede Modi’s appearance, expected around noon.
Modi will be in New York for UN summits and will address the General Assembly on September 26. Unlike previous events, no US politicians are expected to attend this reception due to the proximity of the US elections.