Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended journalist Palki Sharma for her impactful address at the Oxford Union, where she advocated for the progress of “Modi’s Bharat”.
Expressing his appreciation on X, PM Modi remarked, “You have given a wonderful glimpse of the massive transformations taking place across Bharat.”
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1783544775704211627
Firstpost Managing Editor and foreign affairs expert Palki Sharma received widespread acclaim after her speech circulated on social media. Responding to the overwhelming response, she clarified, “My remarks at the Oxford Union almost a year ago have made their way across social media. I gave a perspective on what has changed in India, citing events & anecdotes to support my argument. I’m overwhelmed to see how it has resonated with so many of you.”
https://x.com/palkisu/status/1783508353177497652
“We are debating India’s Path tonight, and I could wrap my argument in one sentence borrowed from the White House: ‘Go to New Delhi and see it for yourself’,” she commenced her speech with reference to White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby’s statement given in June 2023.
Recalling an incident, Palki mentioned “three of the many developments” in Bharat: financial inclusion, internet and mobile penetration, and growing airport traffic.
She continued, “I have lived in many Indias – the very India where exciting policies and positions were abandoned, the self-doubting India, where decisions were taken based on global opinions and today, a more confident India where the world comes for leadership and inspiration. Indians are prosperous at home and hence more confident abroad.”
“Today invasions and colonialism are part of our history, not our identity; we are shaped by years of subjugation, not defined by them. We are excited about our global responsibilities, not wary of them this change in confidence comes from growth at home,” she commented.
Terming Bharat as a “soft-power giant,” and, at the same time, “no longer a timid democracy that tolerates terrorism or betrayal,” Palki recalled the Indian Air Force’s counter strikes inside Pakistan’s Balakot after the Pulwama terrorist attack in February 2019.
In her address, she talked about Bharat’s “new approach,” namely, “not just putting more money in the pocket, it’s about empowering people,” and supported her debate with data.
She mentioned Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, touching PM Modi’s feet, and called this a “vote of thanks” for Bharat sending Covid vaccines to multiple nations, including PNG.
Talking about progress in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Palki stated, “To judge a country’s path, you have to be able to separate agenda-driven narrative from facts. For any country, there is always a wrong path… enough dictators and autocrats have shown us. But there is no single right path. As long as democracy and Constitution are respected, I would say… It is wrong to judge one country on the parameters of another. Finally, the hallmark of the right direction is the public approval.”
“Do the people think you are on the right path? The people of India answered that question in 2019,” she concluded to rapturous applause from the audience.
