Tokyo: From Playing drums at an Indian tech company in Tokyo to playing the flute India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is defining his own way of diplomacy as he demonstrated during his trip to Japan.Â
During the visit he also demonstrated his personal touch with a gregarious character, placing importance in the people he meets.
In Kyoto, Modi visited the ancient Buddhist temples where he met the head priest of 14th century Buddhist temple – Kinkakuji. The PM spent some time with the 83-year-old head priest Yasu Nagamori, breaking the ice by telling him: “I am Modi and you are Mori!”
All set to wrap up the much-talked about visit on Wednesday, Modi has impressed with his indulgence in impromptu fun.
While visiting Taimei Elementary school in Tokyo on Monday, students played the flute for him and Modi took the chance in giving a little performance of his own, to the delight of the students and delegates present.
Then during the special tea ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Omotesenke tea hut – one of the main schools for the Japanese tea ceremony, established in the 16th century – Modi sat sipping tea and used chopsticks to eat cake.
On Tuesday he surprised everyone by enthusiastically playing the traditional Taiko drums with much skill. He looked well versed with the instrument as he grabbed the sticks and played unflinchingly.
What spoke volumes about his personality was an incident on Sunday, as he was leaving his hotel in Kyoto for Tokyo.
Mina Chudgar was hopeful Modi would recognise her. She had cooked for the then Gujarat Chief Minister on his visit to Osaka. But that was seven years ago.
However, Modi stayed true to his reputation of never forgetting a face, spotting Mina in the crowd.
The Prime Minister went up to her, speaking to her for a few moments, and happily posed for photos with her. Stunned by the gesture, Mina broke into tears telling everyone around her repeatedly, “I have been blessed.”
The Japan visit has truly been a successful diplomatic venture for Modi and his global personality.