Muffler, cap, gloves: PM recalls gifts a New Zealander gave him 25-30 years ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday struck an emotional chord with the Indian community in New Zealand as he recalled his first visit to the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday struck an emotional chord with the Indian community in New Zealand as he recalled his first visit to the country nearly three decades ago, long before he entered public office, and shared how a simple gift from a New Zealander has remained one of his most cherished possessions ever since. Addressing a glittering community event in Auckland during his two-day state visit to New Zealand, PM Modi said his latest trip as Prime Minister brought back memories of his earlier visit to the country around 25 to 30 years ago, when he was neither part of any government nor known in public life. Read Full Story "This might be my first visit as the Prime Minister, but 25–30 years ago, when I was not a part of any Government and nobody knew me in public life, I received an opportunity to come to New Zealand," he said.
Recalling that visit, the Prime Minister said someone had presented him with three gifts—a muffler, a cap and a pair of gloves—which he carried back to India and carefully preserved over the years. In a touching moment that drew loud applause, PM Modi removed the muffler from around his neck, held it up before the audience and revealed that it was one of those gifts. Follow for live updates. "The muffler you see was gifted to me by a New Zealander 25–30 years back. I have used it several times in these years and I take care of it even today, just like I take care of your love for me," he said. The gesture saw the Prime Minister smiling as he displayed the muffler to thousands gathered at the venue before draping it around his neck again, linking the keepsake with the affection he said he continues to receive from the Indian community in New Zealand.
PM ACKNOWLEDGES INDIAN COMMUNITY’S ROLE Sharing the stage with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, PM Modi also praised the contribution of the Indian community in strengthening bilateral ties. Calling them the driving force behind the relationship, he said, "I have full confidence in the success of this journey. Do you know why? Not because of Modi, because the real sailors of this journey are all of you." Referring to Indian-origin people living across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, he described them as the "sailors of this golden century" who would shape the future of India-New Zealand ties. A BOUQUET OF INDIA’S ACHIEVEMENTS The Prime Minister also highlighted India's rapid transformation, saying he had brought a "bouquet of India's achievements" for the community. He said India is the world's fastest-growing major economy, the largest vaccine producer, among the leading consumers of mobile data, the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and the second-largest wheat producer, describing these milestones as evidence of the country's growing economic and technological strength.
The BriefWire