Picture : Twitter / ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India is now open defecation-free, adding the country’s stature is on the rise on the world stage.
Making the remarks at two separate public events, Modi also said a glimpse of the respect India has globally was seen during the ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston.
Speaking at an event organised by Bharatiya Janata Party’s state unit to felicitate him for his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Modi said the world can see that India is at the forefront of several positive changes taking place globally.
“Respect for India is increasing all over. One can experience the change,” he added.
“The strength and the value of Indian passport has increased. The world sees those holding Indian passport with respect,” Modi said.
Modi said the recent ‘Howdy Modi’ event in the US has become a talking point among world leaders he met after that programme.
“The fact that US President Donald Trump came to the Indian event and stayed there for such a long time was great. After speeches, when I requested him, he came for a round of stadium without considering security protocol. I thank him and all those who organised the event,” Modi said.
“In a way, the world is looking at India with great eagerness. The world was curious about India, a huge country with a vibrant democracy and it is hopeful that India’s participation will be most significant whenever there are opportunities to bring about global changes,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at ‘Swachh Bharat Diwas’ programme in Ahmedabad: Today rural India and its villages have declared themselves ‘open defecation free’. #GandhiAt150 https://t.co/IDxNIkBJVL pic.twitter.com/OUNRy8X987
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2019
Speaking at the ‘Swachh Bharat Diwas’ programme in Ahmedabad in the evening, Modi said, “Today rural India and its villages have declared themselves ‘open defecation-free’.”
