Bratislava, Slovakia, June 16 (ANI): Bratislava Castle was illuminated in the colors of the Indian tricolor on Tuesday in a symbolic gesture marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Slovakia, reflecting the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi held discussions with Dr. Robert Gafrik, who has led efforts to translate the Upanishads into Slovak. The prime minister acknowledged the initiative as a meaningful step toward strengthening cultural understanding between India and Slovakia.
In a post on social media platform X, Modi recalled mentioning Gafrik during his monthly radio program, “Mann Ki Baat,” on Nov. 24, 2024.
“In Bratislava yesterday evening, I met Dr. Robert Gafrik, who has spearheaded the effort to translate the Upanishads into Slovak. His passion for Indian history, culture and spirituality is commendable,” Modi wrote.
As the world prepares to celebrate International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Modi and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini witnessed a yoga demonstration by Slovak schoolchildren.
“President Pellegrini and I were delighted to witness a special Yoga demonstration by schoolchildren from Slovakia. As the world counts down to International Yoga Day, it is delightful to see the youth embrace Yoga. Also happy to see Yoga continuing to bring people together in the shared pursuit of well-being,” Modi posted on X.
The prime minister also visited an exhibition centered on Varanasi at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. The exhibition featured artworks by Slovak artists who had recently traveled to the Indian city and served as an example of cultural exchange between the two nations.
“A Banaras connect in Bratislava! At the Presidential Palace in Bratislava yesterday, President Pellegrini and I viewed a fascinating exhibition centred on Varanasi, including works by Slovak artists who had recently visited the city. Art and culture truly have a unique ability to bring people closer. My compliments to all those whose works featured in this exhibition,” Modi wrote on X.
During bilateral talks with President Pellegrini, Prime Minister Modi discussed ways to enhance cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, innovation, investment, energy, biofuels, digital technology and people-to-people exchanges.
“Today’s talks with President Pellegrini covered diverse subjects such as closer ties in manufacturing, transport, innovation and investment linkages, energy, biofuels and more. There is also immense scope to cooperate in the field of digital technology. We also talked about deepening people-to-people linkages,” Modi said.
The illumination of Bratislava Castle in the Indian tricolor and the series of cultural engagements highlighted the growing warmth in India-Slovakia relations during the prime minister’s visit. (ANI)
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