Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrived in Zurich, Switzerland, on Sunday to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF). He was warmly welcomed by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Seva Switzerland organisations. Local Marathi community members, proud of Maharashtra's cultural heritage, greeted him with a traditional Lezim dance.
During the event, children from Zurich presented a Marathi patriotic song, highlighting the sentiment of 'returning again'. Vedant, Hrishikesh, Rashmi and Advika, four young friends, won the hearts of the attendees with their heartfelt wishes.
The welcome ceremony was attended by Indian Ambassador Mridul Kumar and Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh. Marathi community members from various regions made it a point to attend the event, which began at 6.00am.
Expressing his joy over the warm reception, Fadnavis said, “This welcome made me feel at home. I felt the energy of Maharashtra and the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' here.”
Fadnavis was also welcomed by the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal.
While addressing the gathering, Fadnavis expressed his deep appreciation for the affection shown by the Mandal, stating that there is no greater value than the love of the community and that he wishes to remain in this love. He further emphasised Maharashtra's importance, stating that it is the powerhouse of India and predicted that in just one or two years, Maharashtra would become the first sub-national trillion-dollar economy after India reaches a 5 trillion-dollar economy.
Highlighting Maharashtra's leadership in AI technology, he also declared that the state is set to become the data center capital of India, adding that an Innovation City will soon be developed in Maharashtra.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the teachings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who taught the people to fight for god, country and religion, and to take pride in their culture and language. He stated that the Marathi community worldwide, including those in Switzerland, serves as ambassadors of this cause.
