In a heartwarming exchange following his re-election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, as “Tulsi Bhai,” reflecting on their previous interaction during the ‘Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit’ held in Gujarat in 2022.
During the summit, PM Modi affectionately referred to the WHO chief as “Tulsi Bhai” in response to a request from Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The Prime Minister explained his choice, stating, “I will call him ‘Tulsi bhai’ as a Gujarati. Tulsi is a plant that modern generations are forgetting. Generations have worshipped Tulsi. You can also use the Tulsi plant in marriage. So now you are with us.”
Following PM Modi’s landslide victory in the recent elections, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to social media to extend his congratulations.
Taking to X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted, “Congratulations Prime Minister @narendramodi on your reelection. I look forward to continuing @WHO-#India close collaboration for #HealthForAll.”
Congratulations Prime Minister @narendramodi on your reelection. I look forward to continuing @WHO–#India close collaboration for #HealthForAll.
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 5, 2024
In response, PM Modi expressed his gratitude, addressing Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as “Tulsi Bhai,” reaffirming the commitment to collaboration between India and WHO.
PM Modi emphasized, “Thank you my friend Tulsi Bhai! India’s cooperation with WHO promotes our vision of ‘One Earth One Health.’ The first WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India adds to our joint efforts towards #HealthForAll.”
Thank you my friend Tulsi Bhai ! India’s cooperation with WHO promotes our vision of ‘One Earth One Health’. The first WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India adds to our joint efforts towards #HealthForAll. https://t.co/kJihsbm63F
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2024
With the nation eagerly anticipating his third term, PM Modi is expected to take oath as Prime Minister on Sunday, continuing his leadership in promoting global health and cooperation.
The warm exchange between PM Modi and the WHO chief underscores the significance of diplomatic relations and collaborative efforts in advancing global health initiatives.
