WENT TO A GARDEN PARTY:

"Prime Minister Modi's message will be refreshing -- what role Indian-Americans can play promoting a relationship between two great stories," said Dr. Bharat Barai, a longtime friend of Mr. Modi's who helped arrange his visit.

Many Indians in the United States see Mr. Modi as India's savior: a strong leader who has pledged to cut through red tape, stamp out corruption, revive India's economy and restore pride.

Of the more than 1,700 Indians living in the United States who responded to a New York Times questionnaire, a majority expressed excitement and hope about Mr. Modi's visit, saying they expected him to resurrect the narrative of India as a rising global power and strengthen relations between the two countries.

"Modi's trip will jump-start the process of restoring respect and admiration for Indian civilization," wrote one respondent, Sant Gupta, 66, of Virginia.

Tapping into a level of interest they never expected, Dr. Barai and the group organizing the $1.5 million event, the Indian American Community Foundation, have mobilized more than 400 organizations and individuals. Bollywood stars offered their talents, but organizers wanted to keep the focus on Indian-Americans. The hosts will be last year's Miss America winner, Nina Davuluri, and a PBS anchor, Hari Sreenivasan. Anjali Ranadivé, the daughter of Vivek Ranadivé, owner of the Sacramento Kings basketball team, will sing the American national anthem, while L. Subramaniam, a violinist, and Kavita Krishnamurthy, a classical singer, will perform the Indian anthem.

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