Slovakia confers its highest honour on PM Modi
Bratislava, June 15
Slovakia on Monday conferred its highest honour, the Order of the White Double Cross, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to the Central European nation.
This is the 33rd global honour bestowed by a country upon PM Modi.
"Honoured to receive the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) in Bratislava this evening. My gratitude to the people and Government of Slovakia for this honour, which belongs to the 140 crore people of India. I dedicate this award to the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia," PM Modi wrote on X.
PM Modi and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini appreciated the creative interpretation of Varanasi, PM Modi's parliamentary constituency, by Slovak artists at a painting exhibition held in the Presidential Palace of Slovakia.
"At the Presidential Palace, PM Narendra Modi and President Peter Pellegrini walked through a painting exhibition by Slovak artists in the Presidential Palace," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) wrote on X, sharing a few glimpses of the exhibition.
The MEA noted that the exhibition was dedicated to the theme "Varanasi City" and featured artworks that beautifully captured the spiritual, cultural, and everyday life of one of India's oldest living cities.
The artworks also included paintings by Slovak artists who visited Varanasi recently and were inspired by its unique ambience and traditions.
Both leaders appreciated Varanasi's creative interpretation and cultural vibrancy, noting that art continues to serve as a powerful bridge between India and Slovakia.
Ahead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, a Yoga camp was organised at the Presidential Palace of Slovakia on Monday.
Slovakian youth practised Yoga in the presence of PM Modi and President Pellegrini, as both leaders met at the palace.
"PM Narendra Modi, along with President Peter Pellegrini, observed a special Yoga demonstration performed by Slovak schoolchildren. Both leaders noted the expanding cultural engagement between India and Slovakia as well as the universal appeal of Yoga as a means of promoting physical well‑being, mental harmony and healthy living," the MEA stated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, but I can't help wondering where those awards translate to benefits back home. Our farmers are still struggling and there's so much unemployment. The Varanasi painting exhibition and yoga camp are nice, but we need substance, not just photo ops. Sorry if I sound cynical! 😅
As someone from the US, it's incredible to see an Indian leader getting such recognition in Europe. PM Modi seems to have a unique ability to connect with leaders across the world. The fact that Slovak artists visited Varanasi to create art is cultural diplomacy at its best! I wonder if US leaders could learn something from this approach.
That moment when your PM gets top honors from small European countries while big powers keep whining about democracy. 😂 Kudos to Modi ji! The yoga demo by Slovak kids is especially heartwarming – yoga is part of our heritage and seeing it embraced globally is a blessing. But I hope this translates into trade and tech partnerships too.
The painting exhibition on Varanasi is such a unique and artistic way to showcase Indian culture! It's not just about economic deals but also these soft power elements that build lasting relationships. The fact that Slovak artists visited Varanasi and got inspired speaks volumes about our rich traditions. But 33 awards in a decade? That's some record! 😊
Waah! Modi ji always making us proud! And he rightly gave the credit to all 140 crore Indians. But let's be honest – we need to see more tangible outcomes from these partnerships. What concrete investments is Slovakia bringing to India? Otherwise, awards and exhibitions are just symbolic
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.