One of New York’s most recognisable public spaces carried a distinctly Indian message on Thursday as a coalition of Indian-American community organisations marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday with a special billboard in the heart of Times Square. 

The display was organised jointly by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE, Jaipur Foot USA, The Diaspora Bi-Weekly, GANA, or Gujarati Associations of North America, FISANA, or Federation of Indo-American Seniors Associations of North America, VADTAL DHAM, NJ, and BAJANA, or Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America.

The initiative coincided with Modi’s 76th birthday on September 17, bringing together organisations representing different sections of the Indian-American community for a public birthday greeting thousands could see while passing through Times Square.

The billboard message was intended as a collective expression of the participating organisations’ greetings for the Prime Minister.

According to the groups involved, the gesture reflects the sense of unity and pride within sections of the Indian-American diaspora and their connection with India.

For the community organisations, the location itself added significance to the birthday message.

Times Square, one of New York City’s busiest and most recognisable landmarks, draws residents and visitors from across the world, giving the greeting a highly visible public platform.

The organisations said the display was also an expression of their respect and admiration for Modi and his leadership.

They extended wishes for his continued good health, strength and success in his service to the country.

The event comes as Modi’s birthday is being marked by celebrations and greetings across India and abroad.

The Prime Minister, who turned 76 on Thursday, has also acknowledged the affection and blessings extended to him on the occasion.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi said some gestures were especially meaningful and that the blessings he had received strengthened his resolve to serve the people of India with greater devotion.

For the Indian-American organisations behind the Times Square display, the birthday message served a similar purpose: to publicly convey their greetings while highlighting the community’s continuing links with India.

The participating groups span a range of community interests, from cultural and regional associations to organisations representing Indian-American seniors and humanitarian initiatives.

Their decision to come together for the billboard gave the birthday tribute a collective character rather than making it an individual organisation’s gesture.

As the message appeared amid the constant movement of Times Square, it placed a celebration associated with India’s Prime Minister against one of the world's most prominent international public backdrops, making the diaspora’s birthday greeting visible well beyond the community itself.