After the tournament he aims to reflect on his Pro Journey, evaluate his performances and weigh his options for 2025
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The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the capital has created somewhat of a great anticipation for the Indian community that lives and works in Abu Dhabi.
The visit, which hopes to create a closer bond between the two countries, is the first by an Indian leader in the last 34 years, recalling Indira Gandhi's visit to the nation back in 1981.
Indian expats from various backgrounds, religions and beliefs believe that Modi's two-day visit in UAE, which came day after India's Independence Day, marks the milestones of achievements that their country has overcome.
Gaurav Joshi, Restaurant General Manager at Ushna, a popular Indian food hub located in Souk Qaryat Al Beri, told Khaleej Times that Modi's trip to the capital marks a special day for him personally. "I am certainly excited," he said, adding that, "Mr Modi believes in the Indian idea of hospitality and I am in the hospitality industry, this is why I can personally relate to him."
The 34-year-old, who has been living in the UAE for two years, said that he was proud of the speech given by Modi yesterday. "He works from the heart, he is a team player and in fact, in yesterday's delivered speech he mentioned the words Team India. I really appreciate this about him, as well as his passion, his energy and his positive attitude."
Joshi pointed out that if Modi happens to visit his restaurant, it would surely feel like a great achievement to him. "It would be a dream come true if he comes and dines here, it would be a lifetime achievement for me," he said. "Modi's a vegetarian, so we would make him simple meal that can remind him of his home," he added.
He also highlighted the importance of having a close bond between the two countries. "UAE is like a home away from home for us Indians, and perhaps this is why Modi is visiting," he said.
Ada Anand, who has been working in sales for the past year, said that she hopes Modi's visit will help further develop the economic situation in her home country. "He has created somewhat of a business-friendly economy for India," she said, adding that, "he is a smart man and his mind is business-oriented."
However, Anand said that there are still many issues, which she states have made little to no progress in her country. "I want to see an end to poverty. It hurts to know that until this day and age we have people starving and living in situations that no one can image."
Anand also pointed out that women's rights should be a focal issue, which she hopes the Prime Minister can help achieve and progress in the near future. "We want our women to feel 100 per cent safe in their own country. We need women's voices to be heard more often, we need to call out for a greater equality, and more importantly, we need to have an end to all crimes against women."
"This is something which needs to be considered seriously," she added, "because without the women in the world, what future would the world have?" she questioned.
Rajeev Patel, who has been working in the banking industry, also told Khaleej Times that Modi's visit is a positive step, yet he hopes that there will be a solution for India's urban poor.
"Modi has created many good things for India, he has improved a lot for the economy," he said. "For example, the 'Housing for All By 2022' project should help put an end to the slums. If this can really be achieved right to the point, then in my eyes, Modi has been a great Prime Minister for his country," he pointed out.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
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