As part of a high-energy celebration of the Indian-American diaspora and the cultural connections between India and the United States, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York, is getting ready for “Modi&US.”
According to the event’s organizer, Jagdish Sehwani, ‘Modi&US’ is more than just a political event. It highlights the cultural ethos that Indian communities carry globally, which emphasizes unity and diversity. He explained that the event embodies the idea that “the world is one family,” and aims to inspire global cooperation for the wellbeing of people and the planet.
The event will see 13,200 attendees representing India’s vast religious, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Additionally, more than 500 Welcome Partners, over 500 artists, 350 volunteers, 150 media professionals, and representatives from 40 U.S. states will be present. In addition to the vibrant performances, surprise celebrity appearances are expected, adding excitement to the event.
The Indian-American community in the U.S. is substantial, with a population of over 5.1 million. Nearly 70% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, surpassing the U.S. national average of 36%. Indian Americans contribute between 5-6% of U.S. taxes despite representing only 1.5% of the population.
Indian-origin scientists are significantly contributing to U.S. research, co-authoring 13% of scientific papers and securing 11% of NIH grants in 2023. The Indian film industry also has a strong presence in North America, generating over $340 million from 2015 to 2023.
In philanthropy, Indian-American households contributed over $1.5 billion in 2023. Indian cuisine is growing in popularity, with 6,000 restaurants across the U.S., including 3% of Michelin Guide listings. Moreover, more than 150 Indian-origin Americans hold senior public service roles in various U.S. government agencies.
The event is organized by the Indo American Community of USA (IACU), which works to foster unity among Indian-Americans through cultural and public events. They also support health, education, and disaster relief efforts in underserved communities worldwide. IACU is the East Coast chapter of the Indo American Community of West Coast USA, which sponsored Prime Minister Modi’s event in 2015 at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.
‘Modi&US’ promises to be a grand celebration of culture, community, and the strong ties between India and the United States.
