Little boy who helped his father at tea stall is addressing UNGA for fourth time: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.Pic/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck a deeply personal note in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, rewinding to his roots as a "poor boy" who sold tea in a small town and rose to the country's highest political office.

"Democracy can deliver. Democracy has delivered," he said within minutes of kicking off the weekend leg of UNGA speeches.

India's diversity is the identity of the country's strong democracy, he added. "It is a country that has dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects, different lifestyles and cuisine. This is the best example of a vibrant democracy."

"The strength of the democracy is demonstrated by the fact that a little boy who at one time used to help his father at his tea stall is today addressing the UNGA for the fourth time," PM Modi said.

He also paid tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

The theme for this year's General Debate is 'Building Resilience through hope to recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations.'

The high-level segment of the 76th UNGA began in New York on Tuesday. The UNGA meeting this year is in a hybrid format but a large number of leaders have arrived in New York.

Modi had arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day visit to the country. This was his first visit beyond neighbourhood since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also read: PM Modi invites US President Joe Biden to visit India

The Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris here. He also met his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. PM Modi also participated in the first in-person Quad Summit in Washington.

He also held meetings with five global CEOs for potential investments in India.

Modi came to New York fresh off the Quad summit on Friday when he also held a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House.

The first in-person leader-level Quad meeting welcomed India's announcement to resume exports of Covid vaccines, including to COVAX, beginning October 2021.

Watch the address here: