Archana Venkatraman

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given one of the most memorable and warm welcomes at Wembley Stadium in London on Friday as over 60,000 individuals from the 1.6 million UK Indians, 2,000 volunteers and 800 artists together made up the grand 'UKWelcomesModi' Community Reception. Yoga, Bharat Natyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Yakshagana, Garba as well as classical music and national anthems were performed by gifted artists and renowned troupes. The Indian PM gave an inspiring speech as did British PM both emphasising stronger ties between the countries.

Watch the recording of the 4-hour 'UKWelcomesModi' Community Reception in Wembley Stadium here:

See pictures from the UKWelcomesModi Community Reception at Wembley here:

Indian PM Narendra Modi and UK PM David Cameron arrived on stage side-by-side to huge cheers from the crowd. Modi dressed in traditional Indian kurta in Ivory colour with a brown shawl. Cameron spoke about the magnificient contributions of the UK Indian community in Britain and assured Modi that Britain will help it achieve its infrastructural and digital goals. Cameron concluded with 'Namaste Wembley' and 'Kemcho Wembley' and even said: 'Ache din zaroor aayenge'.

Narendra Modi at Wembley Stadium.
Narendra Modi at Wembley Stadium.

Modi, in his hour-and-a-half long speech, wished UK Indians Happy Diwali, praised Cameron, announced rupee bonds in the UK and emphasized the deeper ties between the two countries. he also spoke passionately about India's bright future, its youngsters and his government's initiatives around toilets in all Indian schools for girls and electricity across all villages. He also announced direct London-Ahmedabad flights to huge cheering from the Gujarati community present in Wembley.

The fireworks was part of the grand finale to the five-hour long Modi's Welcome ceremony
The fireworks was part of the grand finale to the five-hour long Modi's Welcome ceremony
Modiji meets UK Indian children after his speech at the Wembley Community Reception
Modiji meets UK Indian children after his speech at the Wembley Community Reception
The spectacular fireworks displayed at Wembley stadium welcoming Modi
The spectacular fireworks displayed at Wembley stadium welcoming Modi
The spotlight at Wembley stadium shines on Indian PM Modi as he takes the stage to address the massive crowd gathered to see him and hear him
The spotlight at Wembley stadium shines on Indian PM Modi as he takes the stage to address the massive crowd gathered to see him and hear him
Narendra Modi and David Cameron on stage at Wembley as national anthems of both countries were played
Narendra Modi and David Cameron on stage at Wembley as national anthems of both countries were played
Samantha Cameron in a saree with PM David Cameron welcoming Indian PM Modi to Wembley
Samantha Cameron in a saree with PM David Cameron welcoming Indian PM Modi to Wembley
 Singer Alisha Chinai performing her evergreen Made in India song
Singer Alisha Chinai performing her evergreen Made in India song
Shiamak Davar dance group delivering energetic performance at UKWelcomesModi reception
Shiamak Davar dance group delivering energetic performance at UKWelcomesModi reception
 Live dance performance by resident Indian artists and a large portrait of Lord Ganesha
Live dance performance by resident Indian artists and a large portrait of Lord Ganesha
Celebrating India's cultural richness - Kathak, Kuchipudi, Oddisi, KathakKali performed on stage by a mix of troupes at Wembley for the Indian PM
Celebrating India's cultural richness - Kathak, Kuchipudi, Oddisi, KathakKali performed on stage by a mix of troupes at Wembley for the Indian PM

 

The massive crowd at Wembley ready to give Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a roaring welcome
The massive crowd at Wembley ready to give Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a roaring welcome
Artist Navin Kundra performs at Wembley Stadium for Modi's welcome reception
Artist Navin Kundra performs at Wembley Stadium for Modi's welcome reception
Yoga performance on stage as PM Modi is a big believer of Yoga
Yoga performance on stage as PM Modi is a big believer of Yoga
People arriving in throngs at Wembley station to go to Wembley Stadium for the event
People arriving in throngs at Wembley station to go to Wembley Stadium for the event
Electric atmosphere backstage just an hour before the 'Welcome Modi Community Reception' to ensure everything goes to plan
Electric atmosphere backstage just an hour before the 'Welcome Modi Community Reception' to ensure everything goes to plan
UK Indian Bharat Natyam dance artists all set for their grand performance to welcome Indian PM Modi
UK Indian Bharat Natyam dance artists all set for their grand performance to welcome Indian PM Modi
The elaborate and colourful Rangoli creation in the middle of Wembley stadium as part of giving Modi an Indian welcome in the UK. Also, enthusiastic UK Indians already taking seats ready for the event to start
The elaborate and colourful Rangoli creation in the middle of Wembley stadium as part of giving Modi an Indian welcome in the UK. Also, enthusiastic UK Indians already taking seats ready for the event to start
Sonna Rele rehearsal - Orchestra rehersal hours before the live performance at the Community Welcome Reception in Wembley
Sonna Rele rehearsal - Orchestra rehersal hours before the live performance at the Community Welcome Reception in Wembley
The day-light view of the stage set at Wembley to welcome PM Modi
The day-light view of the stage set at Wembley to welcome PM Modi

 

A closer look at the giant stage at Wembley stadium erected for Modi Welcome Reception
A closer look at the giant stage at Wembley stadium erected for Modi Welcome Reception

As part of the preparations, a giant stage was set up at the heart of Wembley Stadium for the unofficial community reception for the Indian PM by 60,000+ Indian diaspora in the UK. Some of the artists that performed at the reception went to invite UK PM David Cameron to attend the community reception.

Wembley Stadium's Modi Community Reception Dos and Don'ts for attendees and ticket holders.
Wembley Stadium's Modi Community Reception Dos and Don'ts for attendees and ticket holders.

 The organisers published a list of Dos and Don'ts and rules for the ticket holders and the attendees (such as 'No ID- No Entry'; no re-entry; tickets are non-transferrable etc.). Buses branded Modi Express transported Indian diaspora from Leicester, Manchester, Birmingham and beyond to Wembley for the Welcome Reception. The event, manned by 2,000 volunteers and planned for 112 days, closed with uber-grand fireworks at 6.30pm.

UK Indian artists invite Uk PM David Cameron to the UKWelcomesModi Community Reception
UK Indian artists invite Uk PM David Cameron to the UKWelcomesModi Community Reception

Coinciding with UK Indians' Diwali 2015 celebrations, the family-oriented community reception featured Bollywood song and dance, best homegrown British Indian talent, and a landmark speech delivered in the UK for the first time by Narendra Modi as India's PM. The welcome reception closed with a grand finale at Wembley stadium featuring the biggest fireworks display ever seen in Britain according to the organisers - Europe India Forum, a not-for-profit body that promotes India-Europe relations organized by the communities for the European Indian community.

"UKWelcomesModi" event brought together UK Indians to celebrate two great nations with one glorious future," the organisers say on the website. Over 300 UK Indian organisations including community associations, Dhruv Arts and Indian centres had signed up for the Modi reception initiative. The event is one of the biggest highlights of 2015 for the 1.6 million UK Indians living in Britain. 

Modi UK visit: Day 1 - November 12th, 2015 - Key Highlights in Pictures
 

Modi arrived in London in his special Air India carrier on Nov 12th and met UK Indian community, UK PM David Cameron and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi statue in his maiden visit to Britain as PM. 

 Indian PM Narendra Modi touches down in London to kick-start his intense 3-day stay in the UK
Indian PM Narendra Modi touches down in London to kick-start his intense 3-day stay in the UK

 Modi arrived in the UK a day after Diwali day, after meeting the Indian Jawans at the border. As he left for his journey, he said: "Leaving for UK. I am hopeful this visit will strengthen economic ties between India and UK & bring more investment to India."

The Indian PM poses with British PM at the official UK PM residence 10 Downing Street
The Indian PM poses with British PM at the official UK PM residence 10 Downing Street
Narendra Modi meets Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace, London
Narendra Modi meets Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace, London
Modi presenting Cameron with a pair of 'book ends' made of wood, marble and silver as a gift for the host
Modi presenting Cameron with a pair of 'book ends' made of wood, marble and silver as a gift for the host

 

The traditional book ends gifted by Modi to Cameron are specially handcrafted using Indian materials reflecting the expert handiwork of India
The traditional book ends gifted by Modi to Cameron are specially handcrafted using Indian materials reflecting the expert handiwork of India

Modi also gifted Samantha Cameron an Aranmula metal mirror, a unique GI protected handicraft from Kerala, and some pashmina stoles. He gifted Her Majesty with a Tanchoi stole during his visit to the Buckingham Palace and lunch banquet there.

Thousands take to London streets waving Indian flag to welcome Indian PM Narendra Modi to the UK
Thousands take to London streets waving Indian flag to welcome Indian PM Narendra Modi to the UK
On Thursday, thousands of people form the UK Indian community gathered around London city waving Indian national flags to welcome Modi.

Narendra Modi at Wembley Stadium.
Narendra Modi at Wembley Stadium.

"We are very proud of the Indian diaspora in UK. Their role in strengthening India-UK ties is immense," Modi said while addressing the press in the UK for the first time in London as PM.

Indian PM takes a look at the immaculate Guard of Honour in the UK
Indian PM takes a look at the immaculate Guard of Honour in the UK

Modi interacts with the Punjabi and Sikh communities in London and praise their contributions to both countries
Modi interacts with the Punjabi and Sikh communities in London and praise their contributions to both countries

Narendra Modi pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi statue erected at London city
Narendra Modi pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi statue erected at London city

UK PM David Cameron posted a welcome video featuring second-generation UK Indians and the Indian Diaspora in the UK extending a warm welcome to the Indian PM:

The Reception themed, ‘Two Great Nations, One Glorious Future’ will kick off with a specially produced cultural show featuring some of the very best British Indian artists.

Other Key Highlights in Modi's UK Visit:

Follow IndiaNewsBulletin on Facebook

Follow IndiaNewsBulletin on Google+

Follow IndiaNewsBulletin on Twitter

Follow Archana Venkatraman on Google+