- Thursday, April 25, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi is a popular figure with the country’s diaspora. Things were no different in Rome on Friday (29) after he reached Piazza Gandhi in the Italian capital to pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian diaspora gave him a rousing welcome.
Chants of Modi’s name reverberated in the surroundings as soon as his cavalcade entered the premises. People had even travelled overnight to have a glimpse of the Indian leader and shake hands with him. Modi has reached Rome for the two-day G20 Summit starting on Saturday (30).
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Modi spoke to Hariom Kalia, a yoga guru, in Marathi. Kalia, along with his three students, recited ‘Shiv Stuti’ that brought a smile to the prime minister’s face, Asian News International reported. Kalia, who has been practising yoga in Italy for more than two decades, told Modi that he hails from Nagpur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. former responded with folded hands saying “Om Namah Shivay”.
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The crowd greeted him saying “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
One voice asked Modi in his mother-tongue Gujarati, “Narendra Bhai Kem Chho?” (How are you Mr Narendra Modi). To that he said with a smile, “Maja ma chho” (I am good).
Vishwanath Valluri, who has roots in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and is now working for the European Space Agency, told ANI that he did not have words to express the joy of meeting the PM.
“I am very excited to see PM Modi. Overall he is rebranding India’s name, through the G20 summit our voice will be heard. We felt happy and delighted to get a chance to meet our beloved leader,” he said.
Satish Kumar Joshi, convenor, Overseas Friends of BJP said it is a great opportunity for both Italy and India to strengthen their ties.
“We are very proud. After several years, an Indian leader has arrived here in Italy. PM Modi is the world’s leader. Since he has assumed office in 2014, he has delivered what he promised,” he said.
Later, Modi tweeted, “In Rome, I had the opportunity to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, whose ideals give courage and inspiration to millions globally.” He also tweeted the same in Italian language.
In Rome, I had the opportunity to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, whose ideals give courage and inspiration to millions globally. pic.twitter.com/fbaSOYjIr4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2021
A Roma ho avuto l'opportunità di rendere omaggio al Mahatma Gandhi i cui ideali sono fonte di coraggio e ispirazione per milioni di persone in tutto il mondo. pic.twitter.com/NZa5o3tiKp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2021
Modi is the first Indian prime minister to set foot in Italy in 12 years.
