It was a cold windy day in front of Brandenburger Gate,
Berlin. But what caught your immediate attention was a crowd of chaotic
Indians, waving their flags, awaiting their Hero, their PM Narendra Modi.
For someone who has met quite a few celebrities, I couldn’t
imagine how this was going to be different. OK, so we only got invited for the
most exclusive Indian gathering in Germany. So we might be able to meet and
possible greet PM Modi personally.
And yes, I have been a huge fan of his vision, his zeal and enthusiasm
to take the country forward.
So it was decided that my husband Kaushik and I would take
the plunge and travel to Berlin from Munich to be a part of this great reception.
The Day began with welcoming PM Modi outside his hotel. He
stepped out in complete presidential style, with a caravan of cars and police motorbikes
surrounding his vehicle.
But the Man who stepped out was a simple person, who seemed to
be completely unaffected by all the ‘celebrity like’ chaos around him. As he
walked towards the Indian crowed whose chants ‘Desh ki Raksha Kaun karega?’ Modiji
Modiji’, grew louder. From small kids to the elderly, PM Modi took
the time to greet each one. Many who had travel from different parts of Europe
just to catch his glimpse.
Evening came, and we found ourselves seated in the Hall of
Adlon Hotel, waiting with baited breath for the PM to address us all. As the PM
came in ushered by his Black Ops, there was a buzz of patriotism in the air.
We stood up to sing the national Anthem. And it was
announced that each one of us would get an opportunity to personally meet and
shake hands with the PM.
A feeling of pride and patriotism enveloped me as I realized
that I was singing our National Anthem for the first time in Germany. The Ambassador of India Mr Gokhale, then
invited the PM to address us all. The PM started with sharing how blessed we
are to Indians. ‘It is our value system that respects the nature and every
aspect of this creation that makes us unique’. His vision was to make our
country a world leader. ‘I am very grateful that Germany has recognized India’s
value. At one time, there used to be Radio Shows in Sanskrit here, where in
Indian just the thought of this will bring about a ‘secular’ outcry.
The PM went on further to encourage NRIs to be a bridge between
the real India and how the world views India. To put India back on the Map, as
a tourist hub. He also encouraged Indians to be entrepreneurs and make India a
center of Innovation and knowledge just the way it was thousands of years ago.
I was truly touched by his clarity and vision and
determination to take India forward, and to work together with Indians from all
corners of the world to achieve this. It made me realize that India finally has
a leader to guide it, and restore its former glory. 'We don't have an opportunity to die for our country like Bhagat Singh, but we are lucky to have this life to live for our country'.
The forty five minute speech came to an end, with Bharat Mata Ki Jai! reverberating throughout the hall. and we all had
a chance to personally meet and shake hands with him. When it was our turn, we
said ‘we are with the Art of Living’, he smiled, and that moment I felt great
contentment with the understanding that we are doing our part for reaching out
to the world with the gift of Yoga and Meditation, from India.
More about the evening here.
More about the evening here.
