Usha Vance Reflects on Special Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
US Second Lady Usha Vance recently recounted her family's memorable visit to India, describing their time there as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a particularly special moment for the family, especially for their children, who affectionately considered the Prime Minister as a grandfather figure.
Exploring India's Rich Culture and Heritage
During the visit, the Vances toured renowned sites across North India, including the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi. The experience captivated the entire family, with each child drawn to different aspects of Indian culture:
- Ewan, the eldest son, admired temple sculptures and intricacies of craftsmanship.
- Vivek, the middle child, was thrilled to encounter elephants, camels, and peacocks.
- Mirabel, the youngest, enjoyed a thrilling ride in an auto-rickshaw.
Usha Vance highlighted the delight her family found in Indian cuisine and the vibrant atmosphere, mentioning the peacocks spotted and the serenity of visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Warm Interaction with Prime Minister Modi
The family had previously met Prime Minister Modi in Paris, where he generously gifted their young son a birthday present. This rapport deepened during their visit to the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi. Vance described how her children eagerly approached Modi, embracing him warmly.
She noted the kindness and warmth extended by the Prime Minister and remarked that the discussions between Modi and her husband, US Vice President JD Vance, were productive and meaningful.
Cultural Highlights and Family Moments
Among the cultural experiences, the family enjoyed a traditional puppet show featuring performances from various regions of India, including Andhra Pradesh, which holds familial significance for Usha Vance. The show included scenes from the Ramayana and comedic animal sketches, much appreciated by the children, who have since attempted to recreate the puppetry at home.
Usha shared a charming anecdote about her son's fondness for mangoes during their visit to the Prime Minister's residence, joking that her son expressed a desire to live there.
Overview of the Official Visit
In April, JD Vance and his family undertook a four-day official visit to India. Their itinerary encompassed cultural landmarks and personal engagements, highlighted by time spent at the Prime Minister's Lok Kalyan Marg residence. The children engaged with the surroundings and received gifts such as peacock feathers from PM Modi, creating memorable moments during the stay.
Conclusion
The Vance family's trip to India has left a lasting impression, blending official diplomacy with personal and cultural connections. This journey offered a unique glimpse into India's heritage and accelerated the strengthening of US-India relations on both a professional and personal level.
