By Sachin Kumar
DOHA: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won the hearts of expatriate workers from his country last evening with a speech promising to solve their problems and urging them to take care of their health.
Dressed in a white kurta-pyjama with his trademark sleeveless jacket, Modi delivered good news of sufficient monsoon rains back home this year, adding that workers’ efforts have earned India a good name globally.
“The positive image of India is not because of prime minister, the government or the embassy. India is famous because of the hard work and good behaviour of its workers,” said Modi addressing the mass in bright yellow uniforms. “The way you work is the reason why Indians are appreciated. I want to offer you all my gratitude.”
Modi arrived in Doha yesterday on a two-day official visit, the second leg of his five nation tour. It is the first visit here by an Indian premier since Manmohan Singh visited in 2008.
He was addressing over 400 workers at a free medical camp organised by the Indian Community Benevolent Fund and the Indian Doctors Club.
“My first programme here in Doha is meeting you,” he said in his speech that saw several rounds of applause by workers.
He assured Indian workers of all help from the Indian government. “I have been told about a long list of your problems and I have looked at it seriously. I will work to my best to help you,” he added.
Giving a personal touch to his speech, the Prime minister asked Indian workers to take care of their health. “I was inquiring about major health problems of workers, proper counselling, diabetes are major challenges,” he said. “Sometimes loneliness is a disease. When someone asks how we are, we feel better. But when someone who speaks our language asks us that, half the loneliness goes away,” PM added.
Bringing nostalgia for Indian workers living miles away from their homeland, he said the good news in back home is that India is expected to see good monsoon this year.
Adding a surprise element to his visit, he went among the workers and shared snacks with workers.
“I was surprised when he shared food with us. I am a fan of our prime minister. He asked about our health,” said elated Vinod Kumar, working as a plant supervisor for a private firm.
“I will never forget this day in life. I will tell my family members and friends that Prime Minister shared food with us. It was a memorable moment of my life,” said Anil Kumar, working electrician.
The Peninsula
