'Was Fond Of Photography, Offered To Help In Kitchen Too': Atlanta-Based Doctor Recalls Modi's 1993 US Visit

Ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s US visit from September 21-23, Dr Vasudev Patel, based in Atlanta, recalled Modi’s first visit to the US in 1993.

“We had the privilege of meeting him in 1993 during his first visit to the US. Modi was always eager to learn about technology and the history of places we visited," Patel said.

He vividly remembers Modi’s habit of reading wherever they went.

“No matter where we traveled — whether on the subway, the New York bus system, or the metro — he was always engaged in reading. If he saw any piece of historical information, he would make it a point to read it. He would do it even while having a conversation," Patel said.

Modi had diverse interests, ranging from Central Park to the Brooklyn Museum, he added. “He never wanted to be a burden wherever he stayed. He would often ask if he could help with cooking, laundry, or any other chores," Patel said.

Modi also had a deep interest in photography. “He would capture moments from his travels. Even today, he maintains a large photo library in Gandhinagar filled with memories of his experiences," he said.

For Dr Patel, what stood out the most in Modi was his genuine connection with people. “As a Sangh pracharak, he didn’t just connect with the head of the family, he bonded with everyone, from the kitchen to the living room. Being a skilled cook himself, he would often offer to help, smiling and asking, ‘Bhabhi ji, Mata ji, do you need any assistance?’ His warmth endeared him to everyone," Patel recounted.

According to Dr Patel, Modi’s deep understanding of the NRI community and its potential impact has been a cornerstone of his outreach efforts, making him a master at leveraging the community to create lasting connections.

“Narendrabhai understood the power of the NRI community very early. He realised that if an NRI spoke in their village, a thousand people would hear him," Dr Patel said.

Modi will first visit Wilmington in Delaware as US President Joe Biden will host him and other Quad Leaders at his home for QUAD Leaders’ meet. PM Modi and President Biden have had nine engagements since 2022 at multilateral events and during visits, which also include one telephonic conversation and one virtual summit.

PM Modi will also hold bilateral meeting with all three leaders – President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida of Japan and PM Antony Albanese of Australia – on Sunday after concluding QUAD Summit. On the sidelines of the QUAD Summit, a special event has been planned – the Cancer moonshot event.