ON Friday, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accorded a warm welcome to the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushp Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and the delegation accompanying him at Indore airport. Overwhelmed by the warm reception of CM Chouhan, Prime Minister of Nepal Prachanda said that it does not seem that he has met him for the first time. Along with PM Prachanda, other guests included Ganga Dahal, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Sod and other ministers and senior officials.

CM Chouhan said that India and Nepal are very ancient nations. India and Nepal may be two bodies but culturally they are one. The cultural splendour, civilisation and rituals of both are the same. The CM said that the relations between India and Nepal will be further strengthened in the days to come. Emotional welcome with the presentation of Bhagoriya, Gangaur, Kathak and beating of drums: The cultural scenario of Madhya Pradesh was displayed on the arrival of the Prime Minister of Nepal Prachanda in Indore. The Gangaur of Nimar, accompanied by the exuberant dance of Bhagoriya, was presented to welcome the guests. A 50-member team of the youth of Shree Swar Dhwaj Pathak, Indore welcomed the Prime Minister Prachanda while making announcements with drums and saffron flags. Kathak dance was presented by the girls in the reception.

Meeting with people’s representatives: PM Prachanda also met public representatives at the VIP lounge of Indore airport and also tasted Poha and Samosa of Indore. Chouhan informed him about the specialities of Indore. He met the citizens of Nepali origin present in the airport premises after the departure of Prime Minister Prachanda to Ujjain and appreciated their performance by meeting various groups that came to give cultural presentations. Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat, Tourism and Culture Minister Usha Thakur, MP Shankar Lalwani, Rajya Sabha MP Kavita Patidar, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, Chairman of Indore Development Authority Jaipal Singh Chavda, MLAs Malini Gaur, Ramesh Mendola and Mahendra Hardia, Sudarshan Gupta, Gaurav Randive and citizens welcomed the guests.