NEW DELHI, DEC 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the diaspora has filled Kuwait\u2019s canvas with the colours of Indian skills and assured that India has the manpower, skills and technology needed by a \u201cNew Kuwait\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, addressed a gathering of the Indian community in Kuwait City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His visit to Kuwait is the first for any Indian PM to this Gulf nation in 43 years. The last PM to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ahead of his arrival in Kuwait, Modi graciously agreed to meet 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa, a former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, after a request from his granddaughter Shreya Juneja on X.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Juneja\u2019s post read, \u201cHumble request to Hon\u2019ble PM @narendramodi to meet my 101-year-old Nanaji, ex-IFS officer, in Kuwait during tmrw\u2019s interaction with the Indian Diaspora. Nana @MangalSainHanda is a great admirer of yours. Details have been emailed to your office.\u201d Modi\u2019s response was swift: \u201cAbsolutely! I look forward to meeting @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing the Indian diaspora, Modi said, \u201cIt takes you four hours to reach here from India but it took four decades for an Indian PM to travel to Kuwait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Greeting the gathering for the series of festivals that would be celebrated over next few weeks, he said, \u201cYou all have come from different parts of India, but looking at all of you, it feels like a mini India has gathered here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEvery year, hundreds of Indians come to Kuwait; you have added Indian touch to Kuwaiti society. You have filled Kuwait\u2019s canvas with colours of Indian skills, mixed with the essence of India\u2019s talent, technology and tradition,\u201d the PM said. \u201cIndia has manpower, skills and technology needed by New Kuwait,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, Modi met two Kuwaiti nationals who translated and published India\u2019s two iconic epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana in Arabic. He also signed copies of the Arabic versions of the two epics. \u201cHappy to see Arabic translations of the Ramayan and Mahabharat. I compliment Abdullah Al-Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al-Nesef for their efforts in translating and publishing it. Their initiative highlights the popularity of Indian culture globally,\u201d Modi said in a post on X.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handa, a longtime admirer of Modi, was overwhelmed by the PM\u2019s warmth and approachability. In 2023, on the occasion of Handa\u2019s 100th birthday, PM Modi sent a letter to him, acknowledging his contributions to India\u2019s global engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the letter, PM Modi wrote: \u201cIt is a pleasure to learn about your 100 birthday on September 1, 2023. Greetings and heartiest congratulations to you on this occasion.\u201d He noted Handa\u2019s role as an IFS officer, mentioning his work in promoting India\u2019s diplomatic relations and navigating complex global issues. The Prime Minister concluded the letter with warm wishes, saying, \u201cMay you continue to be blessed with good health and well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handa, touched by the gesture, expressed his gratitude on X, sharing the letter with the message, \u201cMy heartfelt gratitude to our hon\u2019ble @PMOIndia @narendramodi for sending his kind wishes on my 100th birthday. It has been worth living for 100 years to witness India grow under his leadership & continue the stride.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PM Narendra Modi, ahead of his Kuwait visit on Saturday, urged people to explore the cultural richness and natural beauty of Gujarat\u2019s Kutch region, during the ongoing Rann Utsav. \u201cKutch awaits you all! Come, discover the pristine White Rann, the spectacular culture, and warm hospitality of Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav,\u201d Modi posted on microblogging site X.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The festival, which began on December 1, is scheduled till February 28 next year, with extended arrangements to be made till March 25. Highlighting Kutch\u2019s attractions in detail on LinkedIn, Modi wrote, \u201cKutch\u2019s vast salt desert gleams under the moonlight, offering an otherworldly experience. It is equally celebrated for its thriving arts and crafts.\u201d He praised the hospitable locals, proud of their heritage and eager to engage with the world. He also encouraged people to visit to UNESCO World Heritage site Dholavira, Vijay Vilas Palace, Kala Dungar, and the scenic \u2018Road to Heaven\u2019, a 30-km stretch surrounded by white salt pans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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