Pic: American Singer Touches Modi’s Feet

American singer Mary Millben took blessings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi by touching his feet after singing India’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, at an exclusive event organized by the United States Indian Community Foundation (USICF).

The occasion marked the conclusion of Prime Minister Modi’s official State Visit. Renowned as an African-American Hollywood actress and singer, Millben enjoys significant popularity in India for her renditions of the National Anthem and devotional song “Om Jai Jagdish Hare.”

Expressing her deep honor, Millben stated that having performed the American national anthem and patriotic music for four US presidents, she felt privileged to sing the Indian national anthem for Prime Minister Modi and to honor the country and its people, whom she considers her family.

She emphasized the shared values of democracy and freedom embodied in both the American and Indian anthems, highlighting the essence of the US-India relationship. Millben recognized Prime Minister Modi’s spiritual aura and his strong connection to Indian values and culture, which have garnered widespread respect worldwide.

This act of touching the feet as a sign of reverence and respect is not uncommon in Indian culture. Previously, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea, the country’s Prime Minister and other individuals also displayed this gesture of respect. Prime Minister Modi reciprocated their reverence by bowing with folded hands.