PM Modi dedicates Ethiopia's top honour to 140 crore Indians.
In a landmark diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been decorated with Ethiopia's most prestigious accolade, the Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia. The ceremony took place on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Significantly, PM Modi has created history by becoming the first Head of State or Government globally to receive this specific distinction. This latest recognition brings the total number of foreign state honours bestowed upon the Indian Prime Minister to 28, reflecting his growing stature on the world stage.
A Bond Beyond Diplomacy
Accepting the award with humility, Prime Minister Modi expressed that receiving such a high honour from one of the world’s oldest and most prosperous civilizations was a matter of immense pride. He emphasized that the recognition belongs not just to him, but to the people of India.
"I humbly accept this honour on behalf of all Indians. This award is for all those numerous Indians who shaped our partnership," PM Modi stated. He later took to social media platform X to formally dedicate the award to the "140 crore people of India."
The visit also highlighted the warm personal equation between PM Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Recalling their recent interaction, PM Modi mentioned that the invitation to visit was extended during the G20 Summit in South Africa just last month. He referred to PM Abiy Ahmed as a "friend and brother," noting that he could not refuse the affectionate invitation, which led to his arrival in the African nation within just 24 days of their meeting.
The Role of Education and Teachers
During his address, the Prime Minister shed light on the unique cultural bridge built by Indian educators in Ethiopia. He invoked the Indian philosophy that "Knowledge Liberates" and pointed out that education serves as the bedrock of any nation.
He praised the generations of Indian teachers who were drawn to Ethiopia’s rich culture and have played a pivotal role in shaping the country's youth. PM Modi noted with pride that many Indian faculty members continue to serve in Ethiopian universities today, strengthening the intellectual bond between the two countries.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, PM Modi asserted that the future belongs to partnerships rooted in trust and shared vision. He reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment to working alongside Addis Ababa to tackle evolving global challenges and create new avenues for growth.
Photo Credit: The Daily Jagran
