Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan to attend the SCO summit following an official visit to Uzbekistan. During his stay in Tashkent, both nations finalized crucial agreements focusing on defense cooperation and zero tolerance against terrorism. However, the aspect that generated the most widespread discussion throughout the diplomatic tour was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own literary compositions. Uzbek students embraced these poems with great enthusiasm, memorizing and performing them directly in front of the visiting leader.
The extraordinary popularity of the Prime Minister's poetry remained a standout cultural highlight of the entire trip. The President of Uzbekistan hosted a special informal dinner at the Kuksaroy Palace in honor of the visiting dignitary. During this banquet, a dedicated musical performance based on Modi's poem titled “Abhi toh suraj uga hai” was showcased to the attendees. The audience received this artistic presentation with immense appreciation, and it swiftly turned into one of the most memorable talking points of the evening.
Student Recitations at Tashkent University
A heartwarming cultural exchange unfolded when Prime Minister Modi interacted with students and the academic community at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. A group of Uzbek students gathered to perform popular verses originally penned by the Indian leader. These talented individuals delivered a total of three distinct poems, with each piece being recited in dual formats covering both the original Hindi version and its corresponding Uzbek translation.
The Three Poems Performed by the Students
- Abhi toh suraj uga hai: Mr. Keldiorov Dilhushbek, a fourth-year student at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, recited this piece in Hindi, while its Uzbek translation was delivered by third-year student Dilshoda Juraboeva.
- Naye Bharat ke naye sankalp: Reflecting the confident spirit of an aspiring and progressive nation, this composition was presented in Hindi by fourth-year student Otabek Amirov, followed by its Uzbek translation performed by third-year student Mr. Ikromkhuja Sadilllaev.
- Manavta ko kahin na lag jaye daag: Centered around the vital themes of global peace, compassion, and humanity, this verse was read in Hindi by third-year student Orazu Kuldosheva, with its Uzbek translation presented by third-year student Fayoza Abdursulova.
These engaging cultural touchpoints added a deeply personal and emotional layer to the broader geopolitical engagements between the two nations. After paying tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent and planting a tree alongside the Uzbek leadership, the Prime Minister departed for Kyrgyzstan. Earlier during the tour, PM Modi received Uzbekistan's highest national honor during bilateral talks that also secured key agreements on uranium supply.
