Auckland, July 10 (IANS). People of the Indian community living there expressed happiness over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand. PM Modi is scheduled to reach New Zealand on Friday after completing his successful tour in Australia and Indonesia.
Speaking to news agency IANS, members of the Indian community described the visit as an important milestone and said that this is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
A member of the Indian community performing to welcome the Prime Minister said, “I am very excited to perform for PM Modi. He is coming after 40 years, but most importantly, it is the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, so our group is very excited to perform for him and make this occasion memorable.”
Calling it a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase Indian cultural heritage in front of PM Modi, a participant said, “I am really very excited. Because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity when we are getting a chance to showcase our culture, Indian heritage in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I am equally excited to perform.”
Another participant said, “We are very excited to perform in front of him. So, for the first time, we are going to meet him in person; it is a very proud moment for all of us.”
Another member said, “I’m performing on the violin with my group tonight. I’m very excited. We’re going to do a special performance for them.”
Describing the significance of PM Modi’s visit, a member of the Indian community said, “We are all very excited. I think it would be right to say that the entire Indian community is very excited because it gives us a good opportunity to be validated in this way. After 40 years, this is something we have been waiting for. So we were waiting for this moment. We are very excited to see Modiji.”
Another member expressed hope of meeting the Prime Minister, saying, “After 40 years, the Prime Minister of India is coming here. We are very lucky to see him and meet him. If possible, we would like to shake hands with him.”
Another member said, “We are very happy with the arrival of PM Modi. We were waiting for him for a long time and we are very excited.” They raised slogans of ‘Modi, Modi, Modi’.
Calling it an important moment in India-New Zealand relations, another member said, “The Prime Minister of India is coming to New Zealand after 40 years. This is a very big visit, especially after the Free Trade Agreement. This is a very important moment.”
One person said, “I’ve been waiting to meet him for a long time. I’m so happy he’s here. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to meet him.”
Speaking about the euphoric atmosphere in the Indian community ahead of the PM’s visit, another member said, “Yes, this is an important milestone that we Indians will definitely see today and tomorrow. And we have got the opportunity to invite and welcome our Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
–IANS
KK/AS
