MODIS PERFECT VISIT TO USA -COMMENTS BY ARMY OFFICER SETTLED IN USA

Hi Friends, Joe asked me to give feed back, after completion of the visit, to cover Americans opinion of Modi and Sharif. I am more than happy to comply. In any case, my tail was up, after receiving encouraging comments from friends whom I follow and admire on the group mail. No prodding was required, I was raring to go to share my perspective on this wonderful historic happening. By the time you will be reading this mail, Modi will be on his way back home, leaving huge number of people in the US wonder-struck and pleasantly surprised. On each of the four days of his visit, he managed to surprise. As soldiers, we all are well aware of the importance of surprise, which can only be achieved by outsmarting the other party. At UNGA, an address by a strong global leader (in the making) in an Indian fashion. Surprised everyone by going to a rock concert. Second day at Madison Square, had congressman/congresswoman, senators and governors waiting to receive him on the stage. It was a frenzied crowd screaming and whistling. The crowd gave standing ovation two times. First when Modi said that he is a small man (Chaiwala) who believes in doing small things like cleanliness. Most of the Indian Americans have done well for themselves starting from scratch. So they spontaneously related with Modi's story. Second time they were on their feet, when he said that to repay the love shown by NRI community, he promises to make India of their dream. After attaining whatever success here, each one of the Indian American wants to give back to the Country. Third day, met CEOs of all the top Companies, however most interesting was his meet with Clintons. Hillary Clinton hugged Sushma Swaraj and won't let her go. What was she thinking? Hillary and Obama were the two top Democrats for Presidential race nomination. Hillary lost narrowly a very contentious race, where she called all sorts of names to Obama. What did Obama do, he made her Secretary of State. There is no nomination race in India, however when Modi was made BJP's Prime Minister choice, then Sushma started sulking and what did Modi do? Both these ladies are extremely intelligent and capable in their own right. Hillary may well be next President of USA, Sushma may have to wait for quite some time. Only a brilliant leader can keep the adversary very close. On Sunday, I had gone to an Indian store for groceries. There are three Indian groceries stores in my neighborhood, one is run by a Gujrati, second by a Sardar and third by a Malyali. I went to the Malyali store, I was surprised when the lady asked me if I was going to the airport as Modi was coming to Washington next day. Well I am not the waiving fan type and don't like traffic. However the DC folks wanted to overdo New Yorkers, a difficult task. The lead was taken by Gujratis, so what, they have never given such importance to any other Gujrati leader. Modi sipped warm water during White House Dinner. Definitely the first in history of White House. Before next day meeting between them, Obama and Modi issued a joint editorial, never heard off. Generally the communique is after the meeting. Modi was to visit the Martin Luther King Memorial next morning and then go to the White House to meet Obama. To everyone's surprise Obama was showing him around the memorial. Modi magic? What are the American's opinion about Nawaz Sharif ? Very few people know him. Pakistan is like the errant son, with whom America is stuck. Modi is fast becoming a popular leader. We had a birthday lunch today and I asked, "Guys do you know Indian Prime Minister is in town". Most of my American friends had a blank look, out of 14, only 2 knew about Modi, but they both said "He is a Good Guy