Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Indian community residing in the United States, highlighting their remarkable achievements in various fields beyond the renowned Spelling Bee competition. Speaking at a joint session of the US Congress, Modi acknowledged the significant role played by Indian-Americans in strengthening the relationship between India and the US. Representing the vast population of 1.4 billion Indians, Modi expressed his immense honor and privilege to address the US Congress for the second time, with his previous address taking place in 2016.
Modi commended the brilliance exhibited by Indian-Americans across diverse domains, emphasizing their talents, skills, and profound affinity for both countries. President Joe Biden also acknowledged the contributions of Americans with Indian heritage within his administration, citing Vice President Kamala Harris as an embodiment of the flourishing relationship and boundless possibilities between the two nations. Harris, born in Oakland, California, is the daughter of an Indian mother from Tamil Nadu and a Jamaican father. The Biden administration currently boasts a record number of over 150 Indian-Americans serving in pivotal positions.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi expressed admiration for the Indian diaspora and conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception he received at the White House, considering it a source of honor and pride for the 1.4 billion people of India and the more than 4 million people of Indian origin residing in the US. During a State Dinner, Modi lauded the substantial contributions made by Indian Americans towards the overall progress of their adopted nation and the strengthening of the India-US relationship. Notable personalities from the technology and business sectors, including Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Tim Cook, were among the distinguished guests in attendance.
The National Bee is an arduous endurance test, renowned for its high stakes and intense pressure, going beyond a mere spelling competition. Participants invest months of dedicated preparation to excel in this challenging event. Surprisingly, despite constituting only around 1 percent of the US population, Indian-Americans have consistently showcased their supremacy in the Spelling Bee contest over the past two decades.
The Spelling Bee in the US stands as a testament to the remarkable dominance exhibited by young children from this relatively small ethnic community, persisting for over ten years. Since Balu Natarajan’s victory in 1985, more than 20 children of Indian origin have achieved the prestigious title of champion in this long-standing competition. The National Spelling Bee was first introduced in 1925.
