Indian diaspora shares emotional connect after meeting PM Modi during France visit
Nice, June 14
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Indian diaspora in Nice.
Members of the community gathered in large numbers, waving the tricolour and expressing a strong emotional connection during his visit.
Several members of the diaspora shared their experiences, describing the moment as deeply meaningful.
A student from Muzaffarnagar, Hasnain Zaidi, said that seeing the Prime Minister abroad made him feel a sense of belonging far from home.
Speaking to ANI, Zaidi said, "I am from Muzaffarnagar and have been here for 5 years as a student. Living abroad, one often feels like an outsider in a foreign land. But seeing PM Modi today, it feels as though someone from our own home has arrived, right here in a foreign country where, otherwise, no one even knows us..."
Another diaspora member, Shrishail, recalled his long association with India and previous interactions with the Prime Minister, saying the meeting was personally satisfying and memorable.
"I have observed him (PM Modi) very closely, as I have been in Gujarat since 2001 for 25 years. For the past two years, I have been here in France. I met him last year as well, when he visited the ITER site. He provided significant support to the ITER project. Meeting him again today was deeply satisfying," Shrishail said.
A Kathak dancer, Isabelle Anna, also expressed pride in showcasing Indian classical dance forms, noting it as a privilege to perform before the Prime Minister.
"It's actually a privilege to perform in front of the Prime Minister, and we were quite impressed with my colleagues, and I'm happy that I could present some Kathak and some Odissi with my other dancers, and some Bharatnatyam," Anna said.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Nice, marking the start of his visit to France that will also include engagements in Evian and Paris, aimed at deepening India's bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is what soft power looks like! PM Modi's outreach to the Indian community abroad is incredible. But I wish our government also focused more on creating opportunities within India so fewer young people feel compelled to go abroad for studies and jobs. Balances banta hai, yaar.
So beautiful to see Indian classical dance being showcased! Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatnatyam - our cultural heritage is so rich. 💃 The fact that Isabelle Anna got to perform before our PM is a dream come true for any artist. Proud moment for our traditions!
Having lived in Paris for 3 years, I can confirm - when you see a big Indian leader abroad, it's a totally different feeling. The tricolour waving, people chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai"... it fills your eyes with tears. PM Modi has truly put India on the global map. 🇮🇳
While the emotional connect is nice, I hope these visits also result in concrete outcomes for India-France ties. Student visas, technology partnerships, trade agreements - woh bhi toh chahiye! But yes, diaspora engagement is important, no doubt. Good to see our culture being celebrated.
The way Shrishail ji described knowing PM Modi since his Gujarat days - that's the power of consistency and connection. Leaders who stay connected with people, whether at home or abroad, create lasting bonds. Very proud moment for all Indians in France! 🎉
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