Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Memorable Visit to Laos During Navratri
On October 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his experiences from a recent visit to Laos during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address. His visit coincided with the Navratri festival, and he attended a performance of ‘Phalak Phalam,’ the Lao version of the Ramayana. PM Modi was deeply impressed by the dedication of the local artists, which mirrored the reverence Indians have for the Ramayana.
PM Modi visited Laos on October 10, invited by Laos’s Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia Summits. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Laos’s Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham, and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Vientiane, who were eager to meet him.
During his visit, PM Modi met with several world leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. In his address at the East Asia Summit, he emphasized India’s support for ASEAN unity and centrality, highlighting ASEAN’s role in the Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation.
The East Asia Summit, initiated in 2005, is an annual meeting of heads of state from participating countries, including ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. The US and Russia joined in 2011.
Doubts Revealed
Laos -: Laos is a small country in Southeast Asia, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. It shares borders with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
Navratri -: Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in India, lasting nine nights. It honors the goddess Durga and involves fasting, dancing, and prayers.
Mann Ki Baat -: Mann Ki Baat is a radio program in India where Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks to the people about various topics. It is broadcasted every month.
Phalak Phalam -: Phalak Phalam is a performance of the Lao version of the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. It is a traditional art form in Laos.
ASEAN -: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together on economic and political issues.
Indo-Pacific -: The Indo-Pacific is a region that includes the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is important for trade and security among many countries, including India.
Anthony Albanese -: Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia, a country located in the southern hemisphere. He is one of the leaders Modi met during his visit to Laos.
