Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared warm memories of his early visit to New Zealand while addressing a large Indian diaspora gathering in Auckland. He spoke at the ‘Kia Ora Modi’ event alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The Prime Minister said he carried the best wishes of 140 crore Indians and called it his great fortune to become the first Indian Prime Minister in 40 years to visit the country.
PM Modi then recalled a visit from 25 to 30 years ago, when he was little known in public life and was not part of any government. He said someone had gifted him three items then: a muffler, a cap and a glove. He told the audience that he had brought one of those gifts, the muffler, to the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had kept it with him and used it many times over the years. He also said he brought it because he understood the weather would be cold.
PM Modi added that he treasured the muffler just as he treasured the affection of the Indian community.
Members of the Indian diaspora had welcomed him warmly on Friday and remembered his 2001 visit to New Zealand.
Dinesh Pahuja, a member of the Indian community, shared those memories with ‘Modi Story’ on X. He said PM Modi visited a Gujarati school before becoming the then Gujarat Chief Minister.
PM Modi asked whether the school taught only language or also Indian values and culture.
Pahuja said Prime Minister Modi stressed that children should stay connected to their motherland through cultural learning. He said this would help them understand India better and remain rooted in their heritage.
‘Modi Story’ wrote on X that PM Modi had urged the school to blend cultural values into its curriculum so children would stay proud of their Indian roots.
Decades before taking office, Narendra Modi was already envisioning the diaspora as the ultimate brand ambassadors for tourism!
Dinesh Pahuja recalls Narendra Modi’s New Zealand visit in 2001, where he urged the diaspora not just to visit home, but to take their foreign… pic.twitter.com/qL1TBWaGdg
— Modi Story (@themodistory) July 11, 2026
Also Read: PM Modi Highlights India’s Rise As Global Economic Force During New Zealand Visit
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