Washington: US Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that India’s history and teachings have shaped the world, while its philosophy has inspired millions. Kamla also said that India is a very important part of her life and she is deeply attached to this country. India’s history and teachings have not only influenced me, but have certainly shaped the world, he said at a lunch in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Harris said that throughout history, India has inspired millions of people around the world, be it through philosophy and theology, through the power of civil disobedience or through commitment to democracy. The US Vice President also recalled the various visits he made to India as a child.
He said that when my sister Maya and I were growing up, our mother used to take us to India almost every other year. There were many purposes for those visits, including that we better understand where she came from, where she was born; so that we can spend time with our grandparents, our maternal uncles and our aunts; So that we can understand the love Idli is served with. Kamala Harris said, that we often used to go to Madras (now Chennai) to meet my maternal grandparents. And I must tell you that my maternal grandfather was actually one of my favorite people. When I was young, we used to write letters to each other a lot.
The US Vice President said that his maternal grandfather had a strong influence on him. He said that I was his eldest granddaughter. And I am sure many of you know what it means to be the eldest. So, I used to take full advantage of my position in the family. And my maternal grandfather was able to assure me and almost all my siblings that we were his favorite. Despite this, I was the only child in the family whom my grandfather used to take with him for morning walks.
Harris said that I did not enjoy it much when I used to listen to Nana talking about various issues with his retired friends on morning walk. But, I clearly understood the tales and stories related to the freedom fighters and founding heroes of India and the country’s independence and I still remember these stories. I remember him talking about the importance of fighting corruption and fighting for equality, regardless of one’s faith or caste. Harris said at a young age conversations with her maternal grandmother on walks influenced her thinking.
He said, that I remember that during the walk, my maternal grandfather not only told me what democracy is, but also explained what it means to maintain democracy. I believe it is those teachings I received at a young age that first sparked my interest in public service. Looking back now, I fully realize the impact these conversations had on me and my thinking. Kamala thanked Modi for providing excellent leadership to help India emerge as a global power in the 21st century.
That said, you have helped reinvigorate the Quad. There is new progress on climate finance during your presidency of the G20. And you have been an advocate for international institutions and global solutions to address global challenges.
Read the Latest India News Today on The Eastern Herald.
