PM takes dig at ‘ secular friends’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took a dig at his “secular friends” over his gifting a copy of the holy Hindu text Bhagvad Gita to Japanese Emperor Akihito, saying they could kick up a storm and trigger TV debates back home.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took a dig at his “secular friends” over his gifting a copy of the Bhagvad Gita to Japanese Emperor Akihito, saying they could kick up a storm and trigger TV debates back home.
Mr Modi had an audience with Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace here on the fourth day of his five- day visit to Japan to strengthen bilateral ties.
Addressing the members of the Indian community at a reception here, Mr Modi spoke of him carrying a copy of the Gita during the Japan visit for gifting it to the Emperor.
“For gifting, I brought a Gita. I do not know what will happen in India after this. There may be a TV debate on this. Our secu- lar friends will create ‘ toofan’( storm) that what does Modi think of himself ? He has taken a Gita with him that means he has made this one also communal,” the Prime Minister said. As his remarks were greeted with a round of applause, Mr Modi hastened to add, “Anyway, they should also have their livelihood and if I am not there then how will they earn their livelihood?”
The PM also broke the security cordon and mingled with a crowd of Indian admirers, shaking hands and giving autographs. Mr Modi was coming out of the Indian embassy after inaugurating Vivekanand Centre when he saw a crowd of admirers shouting slogans for him outside the complex. Instead of sitting in his car, he decided to walk out of the complex and meet the people.
The Prime Minister had a chat with two young siblings. He enquired from them about whether they fight with each other and also who wins in that.
Mr Modi’s skills as a drummer were on full display here on Tuesday as he joined the Japanese percussionists to perform a “jugalbandi” with them.
The PM gave tough competition to the professional drummers as he tried his hand on the drum at an event to launch TCS Japan Technology and Cultural Academy here.