Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Bratislava, Slovakia on June 14. Marking his landmark visit to the European nation, members of the Indian diaspora welcomed him, while the team of celebrated Lucnica Ensemble presented a special rendition of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.
PM Modi took to social media ‘X’ and said, “The team of Lucnica Ensemble sang Vande Mataram during the welcome in Bratislava. This comes at a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and recalling its glorious contribution to India’s history and freedom struggle.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, describing the welcome by the Indian community as truly special.
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the traditional Slovak gesture of offering bread and salt, which formed part of the welcoming ceremony.
“The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish,” PM Modi said in another post.
During his visit, PM Modi also witnessed a cultural performance by Kopaniciarik, a folk ensemble from Slovakia’s Myjava region. Praising the presentation, he noted the importance of preserving traditional art forms and cultural heritage.
“Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history,” PM Modi said.
