With exuberant enthusiasm and a profound sense of national pride, the 'Ahlan Modi' event unfolded on Tuesday evening, radiating vibrancy through loud chants, traditional dances, and a fusion of Arabic and Indian languages.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his grand entrance into the open-air Zayed Sports City Stadium, the Indian diaspora greeted him with fervent slogans like 'Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi,' 'We Love Modi,' 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai,' and even 'Jai Shree Ram,' accompanied by pulsating music.
Welcoming Modi alongside UAE President Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, the event titled 'Ahlan Modi' (meaning 'Hello Modi' in Arabic) saw a diverse audience comprising primarily of Indians, along with some UAE officials and locals.
From the graceful movements of Kathak to the spirited beats of Garba, from the vibrant hues of Rajasthani folk dances to the energetic rhythms of Haryanvi dance, the cultural performances captivated the audience, who later swayed to patriotic melodies.
Among the attendees were individuals who showcased their creativity through attire. Murli, a tech professional residing in the UAE for eight years, donned the attire of a Tamil Nadu king, while Neha Pandey, a boutique owner in Abu Dhabi for a decade, adorned herself in the colors of the Indian tricolor.
Expressing her excitement, Pandey remarked, “Life in UAE, is the best of both worlds, both UAE and part of India. I have always seen on TV that people interact with the PM at events but I haven’t attended any such event in person. This is a huge moment for us.”
Addressing the crowd in Hindi, Modi interspersed phrases in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu, evoking thunderous applause. However, the loudest cheers erupted when Modi delivered a few sentences in Arabic, emphasizing the linguistic connections between India and the region.
Retired couple Padmanabha Hegde and Asha Hegde, who have called Abu Dhabi home for 32 years, emphasized the significance of the event in showcasing Hindu-Muslim unity. "We, as Hindus, live peacefully in a Muslim country, and events like these symbolize harmony," remarked Asha Hegde.
Indian school students, attending the event after their school hours, expressed admiration for Modi's motivational speeches. "He is an inspiring figure, akin to a TED Talk," remarked Harshit Pradhan, a class 11 student from DPS Dubai.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi embarked on a round of the stadium in a battery-powered vehicle, eliciting excitement from the crowd, who eagerly clicked selfies and chanted 'Modi-Modi.'
Despite adverse weather conditions the previous day, Tuesday witnessed sunny skies, ensuring uninterrupted festivities.
Modi's visit, his seventh to the UAE and third within eight months, includes the inauguration of the largest Hindu temple in the country on Wednesday.
