In case you're not as big of a John Oliver fan as I am this year's Global Citizen Festival, in particular Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech, got a pretty hilarious shout out on Sunday night.

While I def lol'd at the John's bit, the PM made some pretty extraordinary commitments. 

You can find the full test of his speech below:

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How are you New York?

I hope you are having a good time!

Namaste. My greetings to all those watching on TVs, laptops, tablets and phones as well.

This is a great city. It has assimilated the world in itself. Today you have shown that you also care for the world outside.

I am truly delighted to be here, in the open Central Park, and not inside a closed conference room. Among the youth, among you, because you are the future. What you do today will decide our tomorrow.

I feel a current of hope in this Park. Among you I feel confident about the future.

You are touching the lives of those who are not as fortunate as you are. What an admirable act this is. What a sacred mission for you to think about those who are far, whose faces you have not seen, whose names you do not know, whose nationality does not matter to you.

For you to convert your thoughts into action, and devote your time and energy so that others may have a better future too. Those living in poverty, without education, without basic sanitation, without opportunity, and worse, without hope.

I salute you, I feel proud of each one of you. I am sure your families, your friends, your nation, feels just as proud.

Some believe that the world changes with the wisdom of the old. I think that the idealism, innovation, energy and ‘can do’ attitude of the youth is even more powerful.

That is my hope for India too, 800 million youth joining hands to transform our nation. To put the light of hope in every eye, and the joy of belief in every heart. Lift people out of poverty, put clean water and sanitation within the reach of all, make healthcare available to all. A roof over every head.

I know it is possible.

Because I feel a new sense of purpose, energy, and will in India. Because India’s youth can see that you are joining hands with them.

Because I believe that we can speak with one voice, for one future. That is why I am here, because I believe in you.

Let me end with a few lines in Sanskrit that inspire me personally.

[Sanskrit]

May all be free from illness, may all see what is spiritually uplifting, may no one suffer, Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (Peace, Peace, Peace)

Thank you once again for having me over. Thanks in particular to Hugh Jackman here.

God bless you all.

May the force be with you.

Topics

Editorial

Demand Equity

John Oliver shouts out this year's Global Citizen Festival