Bratislava Castle illuminated in tricolour during PM Modi's Slovakia visit; cultural, diplomatic engagements highlighted
Bratislava, June 16
The Bratislava Castle was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour on Tuesday in a symbolic gesture marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Slovakia, reflecting growing cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi held discussions with Robert Gafrik, who has led efforts to translate the Upanishads into Slovak. The Prime Minister acknowledged the initiative as a meaningful step in strengthening cultural understanding between India and Slovakia.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi recalled his earlier mention of Gafrik during his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat on November 24, 2024.
He said, "In Bratislava yesterday evening, I met Dr. Robert Gafrik, who has spearheaded the effort to translate the Upanishads into Slovak. His passion for Indian history, culture and spirituality is commendable."
As the world gears up for celebrations of International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed a yoga demonstration by Slovak school children along with the President of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini.
"President Pellegrini and I were delighted to witness a special Yoga demonstration by schoolchildren from Slovakia. As the world counts down to International Yoga Day, it is delightful to see the youth embrace Yoga. Also happy to see Yoga continuing to bring people together in the shared pursuit of well-being," PM Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister also visited an exhibition centred on Varanasi at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, featuring artworks by Slovak artists who had recently travelled to the Indian city. He described the exhibition as a strong example of cultural exchange between the two nations.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "A Banaras connect in Bratislava! At the Presidential Palace in Bratislava yesterday, President Pellegrini and I viewed a fascinating exhibition centred on Varanasi, including works by Slovak artists who had recently visited the city. Art and culture truly have a unique ability to bring people closer. My compliments to all those whose works featured in this exhibition."
During bilateral talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Modi discussed ways to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, transport, innovation, investment linkages, energy, biofuels, digital technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
In a post on X, he said, "Today's talks with President Pellegrini covered diverse subjects such as closer ties in manufacturing, transport, innovation and investment linkages, energy, biofuels and more. There is also immense scope to cooperate in the field of digital technology. We also talked about deepening people-to-people linkages."
The illumination of Bratislava Castle in the Indian tricolour and the series of cultural engagements highlight the growing warmth in India-Slovakia relations during the Prime Minister's visit.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Jai Ho! But I wish our government focused more on domestic issues like farmer protests and unemployment rather than these photo-ops abroad. Still, good to see cultural exchange happening.
The Upanishads translation into Slovak is a big deal! Dr. Robert Gafrik must have worked really hard. This is how soft power works – our ancient wisdom reaching new shores. Proud of PM Modi for highlighting this. 🙏
Lovely to see Varanasi exhibition in Bratislava! As someone from Banaras, I feel emotional seeing our heritage celebrated abroad. But why no mention of trade deals for Indian textiles or IT? Hope there's more substance behind the optics.
As a Canadian following Indian diplomacy, this is impressive. The castle illumination and yoga demonstration show how culture bridges gaps. Modi's focus on manufacturing and digital tech cooperation sounds promising for both countries.
Honestly, these foreign visits are just vacations for our leaders. Meanwhile, common people struggle with inflation and poor healthcare. But yes, the castle lighting is aesthetically pleasing. 🤷♀️
Fantastic to see Slovakia embracing Indian culture! The Upanishads translation is a scholarly achievement
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