I have fond memories of spending nearly a year commuting to Paris when I was practicing Architecture. During and as a result of those travels I realised how rich French architectural heritage was and how good the French are in ‘marrying’ the old historic heritage with stunning contemporary architecture. One of my favourite contemporary piece of architecture is the extension / expansion of Louvre Museum where the famous American architect I M Pei has added a glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Museum. Narendrabhai’s address to the Indian Diaspora was in the vicinity of this vey museum.
This was a three-nation tour by the Prime Minister covering G7 countries France, Germany and Canada for bilateral talks. The planned agenda in the main for the visit was infrastructure and defence technology. And also, in my view most important purpose of the visit, making a stance for a permanent seat for India in the UN Security Council. This he did firmly when he spoke to the NRIs in France.
Bearing in mind India’s global role, Modiji reminded the world that "Those days are gone when India had to beg. Now we want our right. No other country has such moral authority." He reminded everyone of India’s record that it has never been an aggressor against any country. In fact India has always played its part towards world peace & security with the maximum presence in UN peacekeeping forces. The balance of power globally has shifted eastwards and as Narendrabhai said "This is an opportunity to recognise a peace-loving nation like India."
Finally, the PM’s visit to Neuve –Chapelle Memorial in Lille was a very significant aspect of the visit. Paying tribute to the thousands of Indian Soldiers in World War 1, he reminded us of the major role played by the martyrs. Writing in the visitor’s book he noted how Indian soldiers had won the admiration of the world for their dedication, courage and sacrifice. For this he saluted them.
Light heartedly Narendrabhai commented that he’d come to take tourists to India! We know he’s going to take a lot more from this tri-nation tour. We also know that he’d take even more, and give us a lot, when he visits the UK. It’s high time the visit takes place.
