Ram Bhajan Resonates At Alvorada Palace As PM Modi Begins State Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with a heartfelt cultural gesture at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília, where a special rendition of a ‘Ram Bhajan’ marked the ceremonial start of his State Visit to Brazil.

The devotional performance preceded official talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted a 2.48-minute video on the social media platform showcasing the musical welcome.

Taking to X, he posted, “Upon arrival at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia ahead of official talks, PM @narendramodi was welcomed with a special performance of ‘Ram Bhajan’.”

Classical singer Meeta Ravindra Kumar Karahe performed the devotional piece. Prime Minister Modi watched it appreciatively alongside President Lula da Silva.

In the video, PM Modi gently claps in rhythm, visibly moved by the warm gesture.

Speaking to IANS, Karahe described a brief encounter with the Prime Minister a day earlier.

“I met the Prime Minister yesterday (Monday/Brazil time) evening and simply greeted him with a ‘Namaste’ from a distance. I told him from afar that I would be singing for him the next day. The invitation I received was actually from the Brazilian government,” she stated.

She noted the striking warmth of the Brazilian people, likening them to Indians in spirit and hospitality.

“Brazil feels like a second India,” she further remarked, adding that President Lula’s office expressed a desire for a devotional song that would resonate personally with the Indian Prime Minister.

“I began training in classical music since childhood. From the age of 10-11. The invitation I received from the Brazilian government mentioned that President Lula wished for someone from PM Modi’s home country to perform a devotional song he enjoys,” she told IANS.

Following the cultural welcome, Prime Minister Modi and President Lula held official talks aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

Describing their engagement as fruitful, PM Modi praised Lula as the ‘Chief Architect of the Strategic Partnership between India and Brazil’.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been passionate about India-Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and also diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times.”

“Clean energy, sustainable development and overcoming climate change were also prominent topics of discussion in our talks. Other areas where we will work even more closely include defence, security, AI and agriculture. India-Brazil cooperation in space, semiconductors and DPI will benefit our people,” the post added.

During their joint press address, PM Modi expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended during his visit.

“I sincerely thank my friend, President Lula, for the warm welcome in Rio and Brasilia. The beauty of the Amazon and your kindness have deeply moved us. Today, being honoured with Brazil’s highest national award by the President of Brazil is a moment of great pride and emotion not just for me, but for 140 crore Indians. I sincerely thank the President, the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil for this honour,” the Prime Minister asserted.

Reaffirming their strong partnership, PM Modi added, “My friend President Lula is the Chief Architect of the Strategic Partnership between India and Brazil. He has played a significant role in deepening our relations. Every meeting with him has inspired me to work harder for the progress and well-being of both our nations. I dedicate this honour to his strong commitment to India and to our enduring friendship.”

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