GIIS students were in the spotlight at a community event held in November 2015, where India@aps@s Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi addressed an eager audience of 18,000 as part of his two-day visit to Singapore. At the event, PM Modi outlined his plans for the development of India, of which youth play a special role. Mr Modi also interacted with the GIIS students at the Indian National Army Memorial Marker in Singapore.

Indian Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, addresses a 18,000 audience comprising mainly Indian diaspora in Singapore

Hundreds of Indian expat community members arrived early to the event, some of them were holding hand-drawn placards, filling two halls of the Singapore Expo with cheers. "We love you, Modi!" the 18,000 crowd chanted in unison, as anticipation for the Indian Prime Minister@aps@s arrival built during breaks in an entertaining programme featuring videos and popular cultural performances.

Students of GIIS Queenstown Campus opened the cultural segment of the event with a soulful rendition of the Sarva Dharma (or multi-faith) prayer. When GIIS East Coast Campus students took the stage in an energetic dance performance, decked in black and gold outfits, the audience rejoiced with a round of applause.

GIIS Queenstown Campus students recite the Sarva Dharma prayer at the Welcome Reception

GIIS East Coast Campus students perform the classical Odissi at the event

During his speech at the reception, PM Modi then proceeded to outline plans for India, involving initiatives to better the lives of citizens, like that of providing every home with electricity by 2022. These plans, such as the country’s push towards renewable energy and embracing advancements, rest heavily on youths, who make up 65 per cent of its 1.5 billion population, he said.

"India has the power of youth. In terms of skills development, we are collaborating with Singapore, Germany and the United States. Indians and foreigners are educating our youth, so whatever is best in the world would be in India," he stressed.

Since his government took the reins in May 2014, it has introduced saving schemes for the poor, health initiatives and subsidies for all. It has also embarked on economic reforms, that have successfully restored the credibility of India in the eyes of global players like Singapore, PM Modi informed.

Singapore is the second-largest source of direct foreign investment in India at $12.2 billion. In the past 10 years, its trade with India doubled from $11.8 billion to $24.6 billion. Singapore is India@aps@s 10th largest trading partner, while India is Singapore@aps@s 12th largest partner, official statistics show.

"Singapore is an example of progress that can be made in 50 years with a number one government. We have a lot to learn. In Singapore, if something is decided, consider it done," he said. "If there are dreams and desires, with dedication, success will be yours," he added.

In the course of this two-day visit from 23 to 24 November, PM Modi signed agreements that elevated relations with Singapore to that of a strategic partnership. This is a mark of deepening ties and closer cooperation on matters across sectors of defence, urban planning and even cybersecurity.

"Even a child is not ready to listen to past laurels. We can’t rest. We have to create new success stories. Be inspired by the past, work hard in the present, so we can be answerable to the future," he added.

PM Modi also shared his views on GIAN - Global Initiative of Academic Networks - for getting trained foreign faculty to teach in Indian institutions.

Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi interacted with GIIS students during his visit
at the Indian National Army (INA) Memorial Marker Photograph: PTI

Earlier during the day, PM Modi also visited the Indian National Army (INA) Memorial Marker at Esplanade Park and paid homage to the martyrs of the army led by Subhash Chandra Bose and interacted with GIIS students. Students were excited to meet Mr Modi. The marker at Esplanade Park was one of the 11 World War-II markers erected in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War-II.

Before arriving in Singapore, PM Modi was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend the 13th ASEAN India Summit and the 10th East Asia Summit on 22 November at the Mines Exhibition & Convention Centre. It was a proud and exhilarating moment for GIIS students to recite the Malaysian National Anthem and the Indian National Anthem, symbolic of two great nations coming together to celebrate one glorious future.