2001 NZ visit: When PM Modi suggested embedding cultural values, heritage into school curriculum
Auckland, July 10
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Auckland for a historic visit to New Zealand, the first by an Indian PM in 40 years, members of the Indian diaspora, while giving a rousing welcome to him also recalled his visit to the country in 2001 when the Indian leader had focused on preservation of Indian culture and traditions.
Dinesh Pahuja, a member of the Indian community in New Zealand, recalled PM Modi's earlier visit to the country and shared his memories with 'Modi Story', a popular social media handle on X dedicated to the dissemination of details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inspiring life journey.
He recalled that during the visit, which took place just before he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the BJP leader had visited a Gujarati school and enquired about the Indian values and culture being imparted to children there.
"Here, a Gujarati School was started, where they used to work on teaching the language to small children. When Modi ji went there, he asked them, whether you only teach language here, or do you also include some discussion about Indian values and culture," Pahuja noted in an interview with the 'Modi Story' handle.
According to him, after knowing that the school only focuses on language learning, PM Modi pointed out the importance of learning the culture of India in order to keep the children connected to their motherland and to help them understand the development that is taking place in India.
"So, it came to notice that they were only emphasising on language, so that children learn Indian dialects. Modi ji said that through this Gujarati school, we could keep the children connected to their motherland and give them knowledge about their culture. This, he said, would help them in understanding India better," Pahuja said while recalling PM Modi's emphasis on cultural learning.
"While visiting a 'Gujarati School' run by the Manukau Indian Association, Modi ji suggested embedding cultural values and heritage into the curriculum. His goal? To ensure young children didn't just speak the language, but stayed proudly connected to their Indian roots and values," Modi Story wrote on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see this focus on cultural preservation. As an American living in India, I appreciate how seriously Indians take their heritage. But I wonder - shouldn't education also prepare children for a globalized world? Balancing cultural roots with modern skills is tricky. PM Modi's suggestion makes sense for diaspora communities, but implementing it well requires careful thought.
Yaar, this is exactly what my children need! We've been in Australia for 8 years and my 10-year-old doesn't even know who Rama or Krishna are. PM Modi's vision has always been about keeping India's soul alive even when we're physically away. The Gujarati school idea is brilliant - language is just the beginning, but values make you truly Indian. Jai Hind! 🙏
While preserving culture is important, I'd caution against making it too rigid. I've seen how some diaspora communities create "cultural bubbles" that actually prevent their children from integrating. The best approach is helping kids understand their roots while also embracing the country they live in. PM Modi's suggestion has good intentions, but execution matters a lot.
Even back in 2001, when he wasn't even CM yet, PM Modi had such clarity about India's soft power. Culture is what binds us as a civilization. The West respects India because of our ancient traditions, not despite them. Glad he's visiting NZ after 40 years - hope this strengthens ties and the diaspora stays connected to bharat mata! 🇮🇳✨
As someone who teaches in an international school in Dubai
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