AMSTERDOM (TIP): Recently Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Amsterdam. There he met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, King Willem Alexander & Queen Maxima. Mr. Modi was presented bicycle by Dutch PM as a gift.   

To celebrate 70 years of Indo-Dutch Diplomatic Relations, Indian BJP leader Vijay Jolly along with prominent UK Sikh leader Sardar S.S. Ahluwalia recently visited Netherlands. This visit was undertaken to Promote People to People Friendship between India & Netherlands.

A massive Gujarati Garba-Dandia evening was organized by local Indian community where performers from UK participated along with local youngsters in large numbers. Indian Embassy in Netherlands was represented by Director Indian Cultural Centre Mr. D.V.N. Rao and colleagues.

During visit to Arya Samaj temple, Mr. Jolly was blessed & also participated in religious hawan ceremony for purification, where Sanskrit shlokas were chanted by local citizens. President Arya Samaj Netherlands Dr. Surya Prasad Biere presided while certificates were distributed to the best students excelling in Hindi language courses by Mr. Jolly. He was surprised to find “Hindi & Hindustan” alive in the hearts & minds of PIO’s & NRIs hailing from Surinam.

During visit to local Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara in Hague, Mr. Jolly & Ahluwalia were welcomed by President Sardar Harjeet Singh. Guru’s blessings were bestowed & overseas visitors performed Guru Ki Seva and had langar.  

A memorable visit to International Court of Justice in Hague along with visit to a remote village where they were warmly welcomed by Senior Dutch citizens Mrs. Heny & Mr. Jan, who live in a make shift windmill. Famous NRI Vijay Sharma & wife Seema Sharma organized a fabulous luncheon for the duo. This visit helped in fostering new lively friendships & evergreen memories.  

(As related by Vijay Jolly)