American singer Mary Millben sings India’s national anthem; touches PM Modi’s feet

Washington: Prominent American singer Mary Millben, sang India's national anthem Jana Gana Mana, after which she touched Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet to seek blessings at the concluding event for the prime minister's state visit.

Millben sang the Indian national anthem at an invitation-only program, which was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington DC.

The video of the same has been doing rounds on social media. The event was hosted by the United States Indian Community Foundation (USICF).

“A night I will treasure forever. Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for your kindness and warmth. An honor to sing for you. Thank you @DDNewslive for airing. India and Indian communities across the world, I love you! God bless the #USIndia alliance”, Millben tweeted.

Millben, 38, is a prominent African-American Hollywood actress and singer and is hugely popular in India for singing National Anthem Jan Gana Mana and Om Jai Jagdish Hare.

Before the event, she had said that she was "deeply honoured" to get this opportunity of performing the Indian national anthem for Prime Minister Modi.

"Having performed the American national anthem and patriotic music for four consecutive US presidents, I am deeply honoured to perform the Indian national anthem for Prime Minister Modi and in honour of the country and people I have come to call my family," Millben said in a statement.

"Both the American and Indian anthems speak to the ideals of democracy and freedom, and this is the true essence of the US-India relationship. A free nation is only defined by a free people," she further stated.

Reacting over the singer's gesture, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, "Indian culture possesses a remarkable beauty, as its values transcend boundaries effortlessly. Through the humble act of touching the feet of Hon PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, @MaryMillbenhas exemplified profound respect for our ancient values. It truly represents the idea of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Col Rajyavardhan Rathore said, "From Papua New Guinea in the East to the United States in the West, Prime Minister Modi is a charismatic leader who commands respect & admiration that transcends international borders.”

Last month, during an official visit to Papua New Guinea, the prime minister of the Pacific Island nation touched the feet of PM Modi as a mark of respect. A similar gesture was performed by a man and a woman when the prime minister was departing from the country, as they bowed in front of PM Modi with their heads touching the ground.

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