In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Zagreb, Croatia, on Wednesday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. The visit was met with an enthusiastic reception, underscoring the deep cultural ties and growing diplomatic relationship between India and Croatia.
As PM Modi arrived at his hotel in the Croatian capital, members of the Indian community were present in large numbers, waving flags and chanting patriotic slogans like “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
Adding a unique spiritual dimension to the welcome, a group of Croatian nationals, all dressed in white, joined PM Modi in chanting the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most revered verses in Hinduism. The Sanskrit recitations created a deeply symbolic moment, highlighting Croatia’s respect for Indian culture and its growing interest in India’s spiritual and linguistic heritage.
PM Modi shares the cultural moment online
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi posted a video of the heartfelt welcome. He captioned it: “The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant! Here is a part of the welcome in Zagreb. Happy to see Indian culture has so much respect in Croatia.”
The video quickly garnered attention, with people around the world appreciating the cultural exchange.
The Gayatri Mantra: A sacred vedic chant
The Gayatri Mantra, found in the Rig Veda, is one of the most ancient and sacred Sanskrit verses. The mantra is:
“Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayāt.”
This verse is a universal prayer that invokes the divine light to illuminate our intellect and guide us toward truth and wisdom.
Spiritual benefits of chanting the Gayatri Mantra
Chanting the Gayatri Mantra is believed to offer multiple benefits, both spiritual and mental:
1. Enhances focus and clarity of thought
2. Helps reduce stress and promotes calmness
3. Aligns the body, mind, and soul
4. Strengthens intuition and inner peace
Regular recitation is said to create a protective aura around the chanter, purify the mind, and promote positive energy.
