New York:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today shared with thousands of Indian Americans at Madison Square Garden in New York that he had "not taken even a 15-minute break" since he took power in May.
"Winning an election is not for taking a post but a responsibility. Ever since I have taken this responsibility up, I haven't taken a break even for 15 minutes," he told a rapturous crowd that cheered incessantly during his speech.
While speaking about his election victory, PM Modi referenced a popular Hindi film and drew an instant reaction from his audience.
"You have heard of bees saal bad (20 years later)", he remarked, as the crowd cheered at the mention of the iconic film. Then he got to his point, "Tees saal baad (after 30 years), there is a government in India that enjoys a clear majority."
He added, "When 125 crore people have given their blessings, it's the blessing of God. I will not do anything to shame you. The government you have chosen will not leave anything out."
The crowd roared "Modi, Modi" and applauded as the 64-year-old prime minister, wearing saffron and yellow, thanked them for changing the perception of India and for supporting his campaign from afar.
Many also watched the speech beamed live on big screens at Times Square.
Mr Modi is on his first trip to the US as Prime Minister. On Saturday, he addressed the United Nations General Assembly and later addressed a gathering at New York's Central Park.