Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded an enthusiastic and culturally rich reception by the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Johannesburg on Friday. The community organised a spirited showcase of traditional folk dances representing 11 Indian states, turning the welcome ceremony into a vivid celebration of India’s diversity on foreign soil.
The elaborate cultural segment, titled “Rhythms of a United India,” featured performances from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Rajasthan. Members of the diaspora performed with colourful costumes, regional music and synchronised choreography, showcasing the depth of their cultural ties despite being thousands of kilometres away from India.
Prime Minister Modi, visibly moved by the gesture, praised the diaspora for maintaining a strong bond with their heritage. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “India’s vibrant cultural diversity on display in South Africa! Members of the Indian community took the lead in showcasing folk dances from 11 states of India during a short cultural programme aptly titled ‘Rhythms of a United India.’ It is commendable how the Indian community has remained connected with its roots.”
Special performance dedicated to the Ganga
Following his arrival at the hotel in Johannesburg, PM Modi witnessed a heartfelt musical tribute dedicated to the holy river Ganga. Tamil folk singer Kumari Ambigay performed the Girmitiya classic “Ganga Maiya,” a Bhojpuri devotional song that she had translated into Tamil specially for the occasion.
Speaking to ANI after her performance, Ambigay said she was overwhelmed with emotion. “It was a Bhojpuri song which I translated into the Tamil language… I am feeling very happy as I met PM Modi for the first time,” she shared.
PM Modi described the performance as deeply touching, calling it “a joyful and emotional experience.” He emphasised that the song carried the legacy of the Girmitiya community, whose ancestors had migrated to South Africa generations ago. “This song embodies the hope and unwavering courage of those people who came here many years ago. Through these songs and bhajans, they kept India alive in their hearts,” he wrote on X, praising the diaspora’s enduring cultural connection.
Diaspora members call it a ‘lifetime moment’
Members of the Indian community who performed during the welcome ceremony expressed their excitement and pride. One performer described the opportunity as a cherished memory: “It was a lifetime moment… PM Modi saw the performance very patiently,” she said.
The diaspora’s efforts reflected their desire to present a unified cultural front and show India’s diversity to the global audience present in Johannesburg during the high-level diplomatic event.
Interaction with Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz winners
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also met the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz, a flagship initiative aimed at deepening diaspora engagement with India’s heritage, history and cultural identity. He highlighted the significance of such platforms in nurturing connections between the global Indian community and their ancestral homeland.
Sharing his thoughts on X, PM Modi wrote, “Met the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in South Africa. This Quiz encourages members of our diaspora to learn more about India’s history, culture and more. It truly strengthens our diaspora’s connect with India.”
Visit linked to G20 Summit 2025
Prime Minister Modi is in South Africa from 21 to 23 November to attend the G20 Summit 2025. His visit has been marked not only by diplomatic engagements but also by deep cultural interactions that highlight the Indian diaspora’s strong presence and influence in South Africa.
As the celebrations in Johannesburg demonstrated, the Indian community continues to be a vibrant cultural bridge—linking the traditions of India with the multicultural fabric of South Africa. Modi’s visit further strengthened this bond, giving diaspora members a moment to celebrate their identity while sharing it with the world.