PM Modi recalls first New Zealand visit, highlights shared Maori-Indian values in his address to the diaspora

Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi on Saturday struck an emotional chord with the Indian diaspora in New Zealand sharing cherished memories of his first visit to the country nearly 25 years ago and highlighting the deep cultural similarities between Indias traditions and New Zealands indigenous Maori heritageAddressing a packed Indian community event Kia Ora Modi at Aucklands Spark Arena alongside his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon Modi said it was his great fortune to become the first Indian PM in 40 years to visit the countryPM Modi you are worth the 40 year wait New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon pictwittercomZub3gpmD0jmdash Vinod Tawde TawdeVinod July 11 2026Bringing greetings from 140 crore Indians PM Modi recalled his visit to New Zealand at the start of the millennium when he was not part of any governmentThe Indian community in New Zealand is one of the strongest pillars of our friendship Addressing them in Auckland was a memorable experience Here are some more glimpses from the community programmehellip pictwittercomCFOlXnD6U8mdash Narendra Modi narendramodi July 11 2026Around 2530 years ago when I wasnt part of any government and no one knew me much in public life I had the opportunity to visit New Zealand At that time someone gave me three items a muffler a cap and a glove I have brought one of those things to this event today this muffler which I have kept close to me and used many times all these years I got this along especially as I came to know it was quite cold here I take care of it just like I take care of your love for me PM Modi said to loud applauseThe remarks came a day after members of the Indian community welcomed the Indian PM and recalled his 2001 visit when he had emphasised preserving Indian culture and traditions among the diasporaPM Modi highlights shared values with Maori cultureDuring his address PM Modi also underlined the cultural similarities between India and New Zealand through their shared commitment to preserving indigenous traditionsThere is another very major similarity between India and New Zealand This similarity is that of our indigenous culture It is about celebrating and protecting indigenous culture And today I especially want to remember the Maori society he saidRecalling the traditional Maori welcome accorded to him on arrival in Auckland Modi described the iconic Haka as much more than a ceremonial performanceI have not seen Haka only as a performance I have seen the soul of a society in Haka It has courage selfrespect and faith in our ancestors And it is a feeling of the collective strength of the entire community he saidDrawing parallels between Maori and Indian traditions Modi referred to the Maori concept of Manaakitanga which represents respect care and hospitalityThere is a very beautiful word in Maori culture Manaakitanga This means showing respect giving love and taking care of something with all your heart In India we also say Atithi Devo Bhava The words are different the environment is different the attire is different and the languages are different but the feeling is exactly the same he saidPM Modi compares Maori concept of family with Indian traditionsHe also compared the Maori concept of Whanau meaning family with Indias traditional family systemIn Maori culture there is another beautiful word for family Whanau This means family It includes many generations relationships and the entire community In India we do not consider family just a social arrangement for us family is an institution he addedReferring to Kaitiakitanga the Maori philosophy of environmental guardianship Modi said the concept closely mirrors Indias approach towards natureThe concept of Kaitiakitanga teaches us that we are not the owner of the environment but protectors In India too it is said Mata bhumi putroaha pthivya meaning the Earth is my Mother and I am her son With this thought we have been holding programmes like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Prakrutik Kheti Mission for the earth conservation he saidWith IANS inputs