[Watch] Odia Diaspora Welcomes PM Modi In Johannesburg With Vibrant Sambalpuri Dance

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with energetic Sambalpuri dance performances by members of the Odia diaspora as he arrived at Johannesburg airport in South Africa on Friday for the G20 Summit.

The Indian community had organised a short cultural programme, ‘Rhythms of a United India’, showcasing folk dances of 11 states including Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan.

Representing Odisha, Sasmita Meher, Sasmita Behera, Suchismita Panda, Dipanshi Behera, Lipsa Mohanty, and Elina Behera performed on vibrant beats of Sambalpuri song ‘Ame Sambalpuria Phula Re’, captivating the audience with their elegant movements and rhythmic footwork.

“It was an honour to welcome the Prime Minister and we are grateful for this opportunity. Our diaspora feels proud to have presented this popular Sambalpuri number, which embodies the spirit of Sambalpur,” Sasmita was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Modi praised the effort, calling it a commendable reflection of India’s unity in diversity and the diaspora’s continued connection to their roots. “India’s vibrant cultural diversity on display in South Africa! Members of the Indian community took the lead in showcasing folk dances from 11 states of India during a short cultural programme aptly titled ‘Rhythms of a United India.’ It is commendable how the Indian community has remained connected with its roots,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’.