How Americans Perceive Narendra Modi's Speech to the US Congress

When I resided in the United States during the Democratic administration, I encountered a curious phenomenon. While the U.S. is indeed a melting pot, many Americans, especially the younger to middle-aged generation, and older individuals from the Middle East, seemed to view Indians with a certain level of suspicion or even skepticism. This skepticism was largely rooted in a fundamental curiosity about Indian identity.

For instance, in Turkey, a country constitutionally committed to secularism where religion plays no role in governance, I observed that the population unequivocally revered Islam. Mosques and religious sites were not just respected, but also free from government influence or indifference. Deviating from Islamic subjects, even in subtle ways, would invite immediate scrutiny or even potential legal repercussions. This manifested the Turkish identity.

In stark contrast, India, rich in tradition and cultural heritage, faced a unique challenge. Intellects and politicians often misunderstood or downplayed these rich traditions. For example, some argue that the spirit of Bhagavad Gita, particularly Chapter 3, or Buddhism align with communist philosophies, attributing them to the likes of Marx, Engels, or even Mao. However, there's an inclination among the so-called 'half-baked intelligentsia' to propagate the notion that the human race had no origins and that creation of the world was a myth. This erroneous extrapolation of secularism has made India quite unreliable for both capitalist and communist blocs. Sadly, while Bangladesh's goods are available in even small shops in the United States, Indian goods, except for those from scientists and technologists, remain rare.

While India's spiritual leaders visit the United States with 'Godman' images, their speeches often focus on how to achieve Moksha (liberation) after death rather than promoting the principles of harmony and coexistence, which form the core of Indian ethos and Dharma. This is a critical aspect that defines our identity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the United States Congress might have addressed some of these issues. However, it remains to be seen whether he succeeded in significantly altering perceptions until decades of neglect by previous rulers and misguided leaders could be rectified.

It is important to mention that while Modi's speech was well-received, it is perhaps fair to say that the vast majority of 'regular Americans' were either unaware of Modi's visit or, if aware, did not give it much thought. Indian-American relations are not a prominent topic of conversation in the U.S. Yes, India is a significant and influential country, but due to its historical lack of a close relationship with the U.S. and the absence of being perceived as a direct rival, Americans do not inherently think about India in these terms.

This observation is grounded in my experience as an American and does not necessarily reflect a negative bias but rather a realistic understanding of U.S. perceptions.