NEW DELHI/JOHANNESBURG, 22 November (H.S.): On Friday, during his diplomatic visit to South Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the Indian community in Johannesburg, powerfully describing them as a living bridge fostering deep-rooted connections between the two nations.
The interaction took place on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit, where the Prime Minister lauded the significant contributions of the diaspora
PM Modi addressed a gathering that included prominent Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs and community leaders, expressing his appreciation for the over 1.7 million-strong Indian diaspora in South Africa. He commended their role in nurturing the historic and amicable relationship that India and South Africa share.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister praised their dedicated efforts in helping the younger generation connect with the profound legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, two global icons of peace and resilience.
The Prime Minister's three-day tour is centered around his attendance at the G20 Leaders' Summit, a landmark event as it is the first time the summit is being held on African soil.
In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted that the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability resonates with India's own G20 presidency vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. His agenda also includes participation in the sixth IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Summit and several bilateral meetings with other world leaders.During the community event, PM Modi urged the members to actively promote Indian cultural practices such as Yoga and Ayurveda among the people of South Africa to enhance people-to-people linkages.
In a symbolic gesture, he received a 'Kalash' containing Shree Anna (millets) from the Chinmaya Mission, which is destined for the Annapoorna Devi Temple in Durban.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to meet with the winners of the 'Bharat Ko Janiye' (Know India) Quiz, a program designed to encourage diaspora members to deepen their knowledge of India's rich history and culture.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
