Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 11 July addressed a landmark Indian diaspora event in Auckland titled 'Kia Ora Modi', where he recalled a personal memento from his first visit to New Zealand roughly 25–30 years ago — a muffler, cap, and gloves gifted to him during that early trip. Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister in 40 years to visit New Zealand, said he carried the muffler to the Auckland event as a cherished keepsake.

The Muffler That Travelled Decades

'Around 25–30 years ago, when I wasn't part of any government and no one knew me much in public life, I had the opportunity to visit New Zealand. At that time, someone gave me three items: a muffler, a cap and a glove. I have brought one of those things to this event today... this muffler which I have kept close to me and used many times all these years,' Modi told the gathering to thunderous applause.

He added that he had brought the muffler specifically because he had heard Auckland would be cold — and likened his care for the memento to his care for the affection of the Indian diaspora. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was present alongside Modi at the event.

A Historic Visit, 40 Years in the Making

Modi described it as his 'great fortune' to become the first Indian PM in four decades to visit New Zealand, saying he carried with him the best wishes of 140 crore Indians. The diaspora event drew a massive turnout, with community members giving the Prime Minister a rousing reception.

Members of the Indian community in New Zealand recalled that Modi's earlier visit in 2001 — just before he assumed office as Chief Minister of Gujarat — had been marked by a focus on preserving Indian culture and traditions among the diaspora.

The Gujarati School Visit of 2001

Community member Dinesh Pahuja shared his memories of that 2001 visit in an interview with the social media handle 'Modi Story' on X. He recalled that Modi had visited a Gujarati school run by the Manukau Indian Association and had raised questions about the curriculum.

'When Modi ji went there, he asked them, whether you only teach language here, or do you also include some discussion about Indian values and culture,' Pahuja recounted. Upon learning the school focused solely on language instruction, Modi reportedly stressed the importance of embedding cultural values alongside language learning to keep children connected to their roots.

'Modi ji said that through this Gujarati school, we could keep the children connected to their motherland and give them knowledge about their culture. This, he said, would help them in understanding India better,' Pahuja said.

Cultural Roots at the Core

The 'Modi Story' handle on X noted that during the 2001 Gujarati school visit, Modi had suggested embedding cultural values and heritage into the curriculum — his goal being to ensure young children 'didn't just speak the language, but stayed proudly connected to their Indian roots and values.'

The 2025 Auckland visit, coming after a gap of over two decades, appears to revisit those same themes — cultural continuity, diaspora pride, and India's global footprint. With Modi now leading as Prime Minister, the message carries considerably more weight than it did during his pre-political visit at the turn of the millennium.