Usha Vance Reflects on Special India Trip and Family’s Experience with PM Modi
Usha Vance, the US Second Lady, described her recent visit to India as the “trip of a lifetime” for her family, highlighting their meeting with PM Modi. She shared delightful anecdotes about her children’s experiences, their admiration for Indian culture, and the significance of the India-US relationship, emphasizing personal ties and diplomatic opportunities.
In a recent conversation at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, DC, Usha Vance, the US Second Lady, reflected on her memorable trip to India with her family. She described the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very special” moment for her children, who affectionately categorized him as a grandfather figure. The visit was their first to India, which Vance labeled a “trip of a lifetime.”
Vance recounted experiences from their journey, including visits to iconic sites like the Taj Mahal and delightful Indian cuisine. She emphasized how her children absorbed the cultural richness of India. “It really was the trip of a lifetime for us,” she stated, noting the importance of experiencing their heritage firsthand. The pandemic had delayed this visit, and seeing India for the first time was mind-blowing for the children.
Amusingly, she shared how her kids, initially sleep-deprived while in Paris, mistook PM Modi for a grandfather upon seeing his white hair and beard. They ran up to him with hugs during their visit to his residence, having previously met him in Paris where he gifted her five-year-old a birthday present. Modi’s kindness profoundly impacted her children, enhancing their connection to him and India.
Usha Vance described their encounters with local traditions, including attending a puppet show that featured elements from the Ramayana. Watching her children react to the various performances brought her joy. She mentioned, “The puppet show was a huge hit,” and her kids have since tried to recreate their own puppet performances at home.
When discussing her children’s individual experiences, Ewan was particularly impressed by the detailed temple sculptures, while Vivek was fascinated by the animals present, including elephants and camels. Meanwhile, their daughter’s highlight was a thrilling auto-rickshaw ride, a unique experience that she truly enjoyed.
JD Vance, along with Usha and their children, spent four days in India where they explored several prominent locations including the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. PM Modi hosted them at his residence, where the children were encouraged to explore and play.
With a family connection in India, Usha Vance reflected on the deep personal significance of the India-US relationship. She praised the current era between the two nations as one filled with potential. “This is a time of great opportunity for our ties,” she said, recalling her personal history of visiting India to see family. Her perspective emphasizes the multifaceted nature of diplomacy, grounded in familial ties and cultural understanding.
Usha Vance’s recent trip to India with her family was not just a diplomatic mission but a deeply personal journey. Meeting Prime Minister Modi enriched their experience, creating lasting memories for her children. The unique cultural interactions and connections made during this visit underscore the importance of personal relationships in enhancing international ties between India and the US, effectively blending personal history with political engagement.
Original Source: www.financialexpress.com
