Auckland, July 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community during his historic visit to New Zealand. The Indian diaspora recalled his 2001 trip, where he emphasized connecting Indian-origin children with their cultural roots and values.
Dinesh Pahuja, an Indian expatriate, shared memories of that visit in a conversation with the popular social media handle ‘Modi Story’ on platform X. At that time, Modi was a senior leader of the BJP before becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Pahuja recalled that Modi visited a Gujarati school operated by the Manukau Indian Association. He inquired whether the school taught only the Gujarati language or also imparted knowledge of Indian culture and values.
Upon learning that the school primarily focused on language education, Modi suggested incorporating Indian culture, traditions, and values into the curriculum.
According to Pahuja, Modi believed this would help Indian-origin children living abroad stay connected to their homeland and better understand India’s cultural heritage and ongoing development.
“He suggested that through the Gujarati school, children should learn not just the language, but also Indian culture and values. This would strengthen their ties to their homeland and enable them to understand India better,” Pahuja stated.
‘Modi Story’ also posted on X that during Modi’s visit to the Manukau Indian Association’s Gujarati school, he proposed including Indian cultural values and heritage in the curriculum. The goal was to ensure that children not only learn the language but also take pride in their Indian roots, culture, and values.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi’s current visit to New Zealand marks the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years, which is considered historic for the relations between the two countries.
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