India's Prime Minister Modi is on an official trip to USA. It coincides with June 21, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and World Yoga Day, but most likely chosen by our Vishwaguru (the Scion of the World).for self promotion and visibility rather than an humble attempt at promoting Yoga. The man is a narcissist, a sine qua non of most right-wing politicians who harbor dictatorial tendency.
Having conquered his home turf in popularity (he is definitely the most popular politician in India right now) and subjugating the media, social or otherwise, Modi aspires to be a global leader. In that context what better place can be other than the soil of the United States for self proclamation ! It's another matter whether world will oblige to his desire to be Vishwaguru or not. He has undoubtedly built a cult around him in India and amongst a section of NRIs. To his "Andh Bhakts" (Blind Devotees) Mahaprabhu's fart smells like the world's best French perfume.
Nothing wrong in promoting Yoga world wide (though I sincerely doubt the Uintes Nation's role in promoting Yoga when the bloated bureaucracy has spectacularly failed to promote world peace). For his Bhakts, Modi is the one who showcased Yoga to world. That's simply a misconception. Modi didn't bring Yoga to the West. Yoga was already present in West when Modi was in his Chuddi (underwear). The Iyengar Yoga had been taught and gained popularity in United States in the 1960s.
As I write the US President Joe Biden is hosting a White House dinner for Prime Minister Modi. Fair enough. But some of his fans going berserk that he is the first Indian Prime Minister to be honored with such a privilege. Dr. Manmohan Singh was extended the same honor by President Obama in 2009. Also contrary to those doing monkey dance over Modi addressing a join session of House, both PV Narasimha Rao and AB Vajpayee were given the same privilege as visiting dignitaries. Some justify by saying that Modi will address for second time. What's so big deal about it ! Both PVN and Vajpayee were one term Prime Ministers. So they got one chance, whereas Modi being in his 2nd term got this opportunity twice. But poor Bhakts are poor in Math as they hold degrees from Whatsapp University.
Contrary to the belief of many and Godi (laptop) media reporting back home, the coverage on Modi's visit on American media is at best frugal, far less in contrast to the trips made by his counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea and Europe. They might blame it on the left leaning CNN, MSNBC not giving their Mahaprabhu enough coverage, but the conservative media like Fox News seems to be hardly enthused about Modi.
Many back home are under the misplaced notion that the US President loves Modi due to the later's magnetic white beard and his sengor holding walk. No American President is pro or anti Modi, they are pro American interest. At this point American interest is converging on India as a nation of 1.4 billion plus people with a lucrative market for doing business and selling arms and armaments. It is desperate for a counterweight to a rising China and thinks India fits the bill.
So a shrewd businessman like Elon Musk and politician in Joe Biden don't like Modi for his flowing white beard but as the Prime Minister of a country who will provide them both business and strategic opportunities. They would do exactly the same if tomorrow a Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of India - Vishwaguru's histrionics not withstanding.
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