Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi watching a performance by the children during an interaction with the Indian community in Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 23. (Subhav Shukla | PTI)

With Irish children welcoming him by reciting Sanskrit shlokas, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at secularists back home saying had this been done in India it would have raised questions, writes Aditi Khanna.

Addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora in Dublin, Ireland, Prime Minister Modi, who made a five-hour brief stopover en route to the U.S., said he was impressed by the way the children have internalized the message in the Sanskrit verses.

“The Irish children were reciting shlokas in Sanskrit and singing welcome songs. It did not seem to me that they were just tutored. They were able to express the feelings of the words,” the Prime Minister said during his short speech.

“I congratulate their teachers. It’s a matter of happiness that we can do it in Ireland. But had it been done in India, then questions would have been raised on secularism,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (r) with his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny on the steps of the Government Buildings in Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 23. (Subhav Shukla | PTI)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (r) with his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny on the steps of the Government Buildings in Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 23. (Subhav Shukla | PTI)

“Overwhelmed by the community programme in Dublin.

Recital of Shlokas in Sanskrit by children was very touching.

Simply mesmerizing! Great to see these children recite in Sanskrit,” Modi tweeted.

Asserting that India was among the top countries witnessing rapid economic growth, Modi said the whole world is talking about India and even people are thinking “who knows, 21st century can be India’s.”

The Prime Minister said the World Bank, IMF and all rating agencies are quite upbeat about India.

If there is someone powerful in BRICS (Brazil-Russia- India-China and South Africa) grouping, it was India, Modi said adding that unlike earlier years when ‘I’ which stood for India was hanging and there was an apprehension that it will be replaced by Indonesia.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with the artists who performed during an interaction with the Indian community people in Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 23. (Subhav Shukla | PTI)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with the artists who performed during an interaction with the Indian community people in Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 23. (Subhav Shukla | PTI)

Modi also said that there will be “no trace” of poverty in India if it could sustain the current momentum of development in the next 30 years.

Showcasing India’s potential and rapid economic growth under his government, Prime Minister Modi said 65% population of India is under 35 and they are real assets to take the country to newer heights.

The Prime Minister began his address by saying, “want to apologize as I think I should’ve given you all more time” as the trip is a short one.

“One passes over Ireland every time one flies to New York. Your love has brought me here this time,” said Modi.

Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ireland in 59 years, told the crowd that they will not have to wait for that long for next visit by an Indian Prime Minister.

Talking about initiatives of his government, Modi said “today Indians across the globe can live holding their heads high and see eye-to-eye with everyone as equals.”

He said there are so many things which are common between India and Ireland and both the countries can expand cooperation in various areas.

In 2016, Ireland will celebrate 100 years of their independence movement. India too has battled colonialism, Modi said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks as his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny looks on during their joint press conference in Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 23. (Subhav Shukla | PTI)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks as his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny looks on during their joint press conference in Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 23. (Subhav Shukla | PTI)

“I think India should participate in the celebrations,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said he had “detailed discussions” with his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny and both agreed on so many issues. Talking about yoga, Modi said it has received recognition globally.

Prime Minister Modi was greeted by cheering crowds and “Har Har Modi” slogans at the special reception. He was welcomed by Sanskrit shlokas and welcome songs. On this, Modi took a dig at secularists back home.

This is not the first time Modi has taken a dig at secularists back home. Last year, Modi had taken a dig at his “secular friends” over his gifting of a copy of the ‘Bhagvad Gita’ to Japanese Emperor Akihito, saying they could kick up a storm and trigger TV debates back home.

Earlier this year, during his visit to Germany, Modi at a community reception had talked about Sanskrit, saying that in India, there was no news bulletin in Sanskrit at a time when German radio had a news bulletin in the language because it was thought that “secularism would be endangered.”

The rock star welcome that he has now become accustomed to around the world was matched by the over 2,000 Irish Indian diaspora members who packed the Fritzwilliam Hall at the Double Tree Hilton in the heart of Dublin.

Among the guests at the event included Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and diplomats from the Irish embassy.

Ireland is home to around 26,000 persons of Indian origin, of which around 17,000 are Indian citizens.

The bulk of the community is in the healthcare sector, working as doctors and nurses, with information technology and engineering among some of the other sectors.