SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA): The unassuming Jay Shah is a tall figure in the Indian diaspora. And just like his namesake, BCCI president and son of Union Home minister Amit Shah, Jay Shah from Australia also holds a close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Jay Shah, who is one of the directors at the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation (IADF), was instrumental in organising the community programme in Sydney, which was attended by PM Modi.
Speaking to The New Indian, Jay Shah said, “We are expecting 18,000 people to attend the event.” While Shah, who is instrumental in drumming up support for PM Modi in the Indian diaspora, remains tight-lipped about any possible surprises that they are planning, he shared some inputs about the event.
“This event is very special to us. And special things are always a surprise. But I can tell you that we will have a cultural extravaganza lasting two and a half hours,” Shah said.
Pointing out Sydney’s Quodos Bank Arena, which was filled with excitement and anticipation, Shah said, “You can see the roaring in the crowd, the excitement.”
Speaking about the programme, Shah hinted that they are planning to highlight India’s vast and rich culture. “It is a wonderful experience showcasing the rich Indian culture. At the same time, it is challenging to highlight the vast Indian culture in just two and a half hours,” he added.
Shah also highlighted the fact that the mass participation of the diaspora also showcased the growing Indian-Australian diaspora. “This event is also a testimony to the growing Indian-Australian diaspora, which has grown more than double since PM Modi last visited Australia,” Shah said.
Back in 2014, PM Modi visited Australia after his elevation to the post of Prime Minister for the first time. “Last time he came here, he said it took 28 years for an Indian PM to come to Australia. He assured me that it wouldn’t happen again,” Shah recalled. “And he kept his promise. We are happy that he came and kept his promise,” he added.
Speaking about the aspirations and demands of the diaspora to PM Modi, Shah said, “We are not pitching any concerns. We are here to hear him talk about how fast India is growing.”
“Even if we visit India once a year, there are so many things we find changed. We are trying to learn from him. We are trying to learn from him how fast India is developing,” he said.