WASHINGTON: US Vice President Kamala Harris said that India’s history and teachings have influenced and shaped the world, stating that the country has inspired millions of people through its philosophy.
She also said that India is a “very important” part of her life and that she is deeply connected to the country.
“History and teachings in and from India have not only influenced me, but of course they have shaped the whole world,” Harris said in her speech at a luncheon hosted by her and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in honor of the Prime Minister. Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
“Throughout history, India has inspired millions of people around the world, whether through philosophy and theology, the power of civil disobedience or commitment to democracy,” he said.
Harris, during her remarks, recalled her trips to India as a child.
“When my sister Maya and I were growing up, our mother would take us from the Bay Area to India almost every two years. The purposes of those trips were many, among them that we fully understand where she came from, what produced her; so that we could spend time with our grandparents, with my uncle and our chittis; and really understand the love of good idli,” she said with a laugh.
“We traveled to visit my grandparents in what was then called Madras. And I’ll tell you, my grandfather was one of the most favorite people in my life, really. We were pen friends, in fact, throughout my childhood,” he said.
Harris said that her grandfather had a great influence on her.
“I was the eldest grandson. So, as I’m sure many of you know, culturally, being the oldest has a certain meaning. And so, I took full advantage of that status in our family. And my grandfather, of course, convinced me, as he did, I think, with each of his grandchildren, that we were his favorites. However, on those visits, I was the only member of our family my grandfather allowed to join him on his morning routine,” Harris said.
“You see, when we used to go there as kids, my grandfather was retired from his career as a civil servant. And his morning routine, every morning, was to take long walks on the beach with his retired friends. And they, as retired officials, debated the issues of the day,” said the vice president.
“I would take my grandfather’s hand on these walks and listen carefully to him and his friends. I’ll tell you, as a child, I don’t think she fully appreciated the substance and importance of the discussions that they would have. But I clearly understood and remember stories about the freedom fighters and founding heroes of the nation and about the independence of India. I remember them talking about the importance of fighting corruption and fighting for equality, regardless of one’s belief or caste,” she said.
The vice president said that conversations with her grandfather at a young age influenced her way of thinking.
“Throughout these walks, I remember my grandfather teaching me lessons not only about what it means to have a democracy but also about how to maintain a democracy. I believe it is these lessons that I learned at a very young age that first inspired my interest in public service. I look back now and realize how much these conversations influenced me and my way of thinking, and how they have guided me ever since,” he added.
“In fact, it is a big part of who I am today: these lessons I learned from my grandfather, PV Gopalan, and the dedication, determination and courage of his daughter, my mother, Shyamala. And that is why I stand before you today as Vice President of the United States,” Harris said.
He thanked Modi for his leadership role in helping India emerge as a world power in the 21st century.
“You have helped revitalize the Quad. His leadership at the G20 is making new strides in climate finance. And you have been an advocate for international institutions and global solutions to global challenges,” he said.
“And as a point of personal privilege, as president of the National Space CouncilThank you for your leadership in space and for our joint work on an earth science satellite, which will help us address the climate crisis. And I’ll also thank you because when you and I first met at the White House, I asked you to join the Artemis Accords: a commitment to the safe and transparent use of space. I am happy to report, as you have, that you have joined the Artemis Accords,” he added.
She also said that India is a “very important” part of her life and that she is deeply connected to the country.
“History and teachings in and from India have not only influenced me, but of course they have shaped the whole world,” Harris said in her speech at a luncheon hosted by her and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in honor of the Prime Minister. Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
“Throughout history, India has inspired millions of people around the world, whether through philosophy and theology, the power of civil disobedience or commitment to democracy,” he said.
Harris, during her remarks, recalled her trips to India as a child.
“When my sister Maya and I were growing up, our mother would take us from the Bay Area to India almost every two years. The purposes of those trips were many, among them that we fully understand where she came from, what produced her; so that we could spend time with our grandparents, with my uncle and our chittis; and really understand the love of good idli,” she said with a laugh.
“We traveled to visit my grandparents in what was then called Madras. And I’ll tell you, my grandfather was one of the most favorite people in my life, really. We were pen friends, in fact, throughout my childhood,” he said.
Harris said that her grandfather had a great influence on her.
“I was the eldest grandson. So, as I’m sure many of you know, culturally, being the oldest has a certain meaning. And so, I took full advantage of that status in our family. And my grandfather, of course, convinced me, as he did, I think, with each of his grandchildren, that we were his favorites. However, on those visits, I was the only member of our family my grandfather allowed to join him on his morning routine,” Harris said.
“You see, when we used to go there as kids, my grandfather was retired from his career as a civil servant. And his morning routine, every morning, was to take long walks on the beach with his retired friends. And they, as retired officials, debated the issues of the day,” said the vice president.
“I would take my grandfather’s hand on these walks and listen carefully to him and his friends. I’ll tell you, as a child, I don’t think she fully appreciated the substance and importance of the discussions that they would have. But I clearly understood and remember stories about the freedom fighters and founding heroes of the nation and about the independence of India. I remember them talking about the importance of fighting corruption and fighting for equality, regardless of one’s belief or caste,” she said.
The vice president said that conversations with her grandfather at a young age influenced her way of thinking.
“Throughout these walks, I remember my grandfather teaching me lessons not only about what it means to have a democracy but also about how to maintain a democracy. I believe it is these lessons that I learned at a very young age that first inspired my interest in public service. I look back now and realize how much these conversations influenced me and my way of thinking, and how they have guided me ever since,” he added.
“In fact, it is a big part of who I am today: these lessons I learned from my grandfather, PV Gopalan, and the dedication, determination and courage of his daughter, my mother, Shyamala. And that is why I stand before you today as Vice President of the United States,” Harris said.
He thanked Modi for his leadership role in helping India emerge as a world power in the 21st century.
“You have helped revitalize the Quad. His leadership at the G20 is making new strides in climate finance. And you have been an advocate for international institutions and global solutions to global challenges,” he said.
“And as a point of personal privilege, as president of the National Space CouncilThank you for your leadership in space and for our joint work on an earth science satellite, which will help us address the climate crisis. And I’ll also thank you because when you and I first met at the White House, I asked you to join the Artemis Accords: a commitment to the safe and transparent use of space. I am happy to report, as you have, that you have joined the Artemis Accords,” he added.
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