Magic of techies gave India new identity: Modi

'The biggest thing, American citizens feel proud of is the people of Indian origin,' Modi said.

Praising the skill and commitment of Indian IT professionals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the magic created by their fingers on the keyboard has given India a new identity in the world.

"Your fingers have created magic on the keyboard and the computer and this gave India a new identity. Your skill and commitment is wonderful," he said addressing the Indian community at the packed SAP Centre in San Jose.

"Sitting here, with your innovations, you are compelling the world to change. And the people who refuse to change, are soon going to become irrelevant."

"The biggest thing, American citizens feel proud of is the people of Indian origin," the Prime Minister said. "I congratulate you for this, I salute you."

Modi said he was meeting Indian-Americans a year after the Madison Square Garden event in New York.

"I am coming to California after 25 years. A lot has changed. Many new faces that I can see. I can see India's vibrancy here," he said.

Modi congratulated the Indian-origin people here for the place of pride they created for themselves among Californians.