NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday penned a touching letter to Saroj Devi, mother of India’s celebrated javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra.
In the letter, PM Modi thanked Saroj Devi for sending her ‘churma‘ ahead of the Indian festive season of Navratri.
PM Modi began with respectful greetings, expressing his hope that Neeraj’s mother is ‘healthy, safe, and happy’.
The Prime Minister then stated that tasting Saroj Devi’s ‘churma’ reminded him of his mother.
“Respectful greetings! I hope you are healthy, safe, and happy. Yesterday, at the banquet held on the occasion of the Jamaican Prime Minister’s visit to India, I had the opportunity to meet brother Neeraj. My joy increased during our discussions when he gave me the delicious churma made by you,” Modi wrote in his letter. “After eating this churma today, I couldn’t stop myself from writing to you. Brother Neeraj often talks to me about this churma, but today, after tasting it, I became emotional. This gift, filled with your immense love and warmth, reminded me of my mother.”
PM Modi expressed that it was particularly special to receive the treat just before the Navratri festival, a time of devotion in Hindu culture.
“During these 9 days of Navratri, I fast. In a way, your churma has become my main sustenance before my fast. Just as the food you prepare gives brother Neeraj the energy to win medals for the country, this churma will give me the strength to serve the nation for the next 9 days,” he noted.
“On the occasion of the Navratri festival of strength, I assure you and all the mothers across the country that I will continue to work tirelessly with even more dedication to realize the vision of a developed India,” it concludes.
During a meet with India’s athletes ahead of Paris Olympics, Modi had humorously told Neeraj, “Mera churma abhi tak aaya nahi (I haven’t received my churma yet),” evoking laughter among the viewers.
Saroj Devi, inspired by the Prime Minister’s request during that conversation, had pledged to prepare a special homemade “churma” for him.
Last month, Neeraj Chopra secured second place in the men’s javelin throw at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, falling short of the title by a mere 0.01 meters.
Anderson Peters from Grenada took the top spot with an impressive throw of 87.87 meters, while Julian Weber rounded out the podium in third with a best throw of 85.97 meters.
