NEW JERSEY: More than 1500 Indian Americans from the Tri-State area came together Feb 1 to celebrate the victory of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in particular and that of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the recent State elections of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh in India.Making the occasion historic was the live address via video conference, by Modi from his official residence in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, which was, broadcast live in the US and Canada by Dish Network through channels MH-1 and 812 and in India by TV9 Gujarat -- the first time ever that such an event was broadcast live in the US, Canada and India simultaneously.

The overwhelming turnout of Modi supporters at the victory celebrations organized by the Overseas Friends of BJP, sat through with rapt attention as Modi eloquently delivered a 45-minute speech focusing solely on the overall progress of Gujarat rather than on politics.

The state of Gujarat is poised for a 10% growth in the next couple of years. Gujarat, he said, has uninterrupted power supply even in rural areas and by 2010, his government plans to have all villages in the state connected by broadband.Modi denied having ambitions of becoming the Prime of India in future stating that his primary goal was the development of Gujarat and to make his home state a model of progress for the rest of the country.

"Gujarat has the potential to change the fate of the country," he said.Modi further said development depended on the right government policies stressing that good intentions were equally important.Evidently basking in the glory of the overwhelming support from the US NRIs, Modi appealed to their strong emotional bonds with India to contribute in any which way they can, towards the development of Gujarat and the rest of India. Modi reminded the NRI Gujaratis about the forthcoming golden jubilee celebrations of the formation of Gujarat State and invited them to participate actively.

Later, as he patiently fielded questions from the audience, Modi said in response to a question on the insecurity felt by Muslims in Gujarat, "I represent and work for the welfare of the entire 5.5 crore people of Gujarat and not just one caste or community."On the occasion, congratulatory messages from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Leader of Opposition Lal Krishna Advani, BJP President Raj Nath Singh, Kidar Nath Sahani Prabhari, Overseas Friends of opposition, and Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh were read out.Suresh Jani, the event chairman welcomed the guests.

In his remarks, Dr Rajesh Shukla, Advisor Overseas Friends of BJP pointed out that both victories are noteworthy although Gujarat was more important because the party retained power in this state for the fourth consecutive term. "It shows that if party works hard and works for development, election can be won. People have moved beyond caste and section.

That is a good sign."At the end of the event, Prakash Waghmare, an ardent supporter of Modi and the BJP remarked, "On personal level, what struck me most was the simplicity and humility that Chief Minister Narendra Modi has shown. He comes off as very honest person, truly dedicated to the betterment of his constituents.

I think this is where Modi magic/charisma lies."Waghmare added that although the event was meant to be (a sort of) felicitation of Modi for the election victory, on the strength of the spectacular progress and development in Gujarat, he respectfully turned that into a felicitation of all past and present BJP victories.

"What I found most remarkable in his speech was that it was not addressed to "people of Gujarat" only but rather to "all the Indians" as partners in his goals.Dr Sudhakar Reddy had earlier introduced Narendra Modi and in conclusion Albert Jasani gave vote of thanks.