Our Bureau
Vienna
Austrian artists, who sang ‘Vande Mataram’ in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after he arrived at the hotel in Vienna, have called it a “phenomenal experience” and a big honor.
Ibrahim, an Austrian artist from the choir and orchestra that sang Vande Mataram in front of PM Modi, said that the orchestra had been preparing for the performance for a few days and called it a “huge opportunity” for Austria and the orchestra.
Ibrahim said, “It was a phenomenal experience. I really enjoyed it. It’s a big honor for me. I had to really give my best because this is a huge opportunity for Austria, for us, for our orchestra. It was an amazing experience.”
Sharing his experience about the interaction with PM Modi, he said, “It was amazing. You can really see that he cares for the people. And I really noticed that feeling. I felt warm next to him, with him.”
Vijay Upadhyay, the Musician who headed the choir and orchestra that sang Vande Mataram in front of PM Modi, said that a choir and orchestra with a total of 50 members performed.
He said, “I am from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. I came to this college in Austria and I am now directing the music department at Vienna University.”
Antonia, an Austrian artist from the choir and orchestra, called it an “enormous experience” to have played the song in front of him.
Speaking about her interaction with PM Modi, Antonia said, “He was really friendly. He came to us like a friend actually. He entered the group, we took a photo with him. He signed our notes. So, he was a really friendly person.”
After landing in Vienna, PM Modi arrived at the hotel Ritz-Carlton in Vienna and greeted members of the Indian diaspora. Austrian artists sang Vande Mataram to welcome PM Modi, as he arrived at the hotel in Vienna.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Austria on Wednesday after concluding his two-day visit to Russia. He was welcomed by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Indian Ambassador to Austria, Shambhu Kumaran was also present at the airport.
Notably, this is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Austria in 41 years. Indira Gandhi was the last PM to visit Austria in 1983.
