American Singer Mary Millben Praises PM Modi's Leadership and Strengthens India-US Cultural Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and American singer Mary Millben (File)

American vocalist and performer Mary Millben, recognized for her heartfelt renditions and cultural bridge-building, has voiced profound appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to him as "a good friend" while commending his leadership capabilities both within India and internationally.

Millben, who has entertained Indian audiences at multiple prestigious events, characterized her encounters with the Prime Minister as both "memorable and inspiring."

During her conversation with IANS about her interactions with PM Modi, Millben shared, "I hold tremendous respect for the Prime Minister, who has undoubtedly become a good friend. Perhaps my most cherished memory was when the Prime Minister visited the United States as an invited dignitary... I received an invitation to join a Yoga Day celebration at the United Nations in New York alongside the Prime Minister, Richard Gere, and various other attendees. I felt incredibly honored to be seated in close proximity to, I believe, the UN head at that time. We were positioned quite near each other for the yoga event. While performing for the Prime Minister was certainly a tremendous honor, that particular day stands out most vividly as it marked my first opportunity to observe the Prime Minister in a more casual environment."

"It was wonderful witnessing his kindness and communicative nature with everyone present, particularly with the numerous young attendees. Seeing him engage in yoga practice was truly remarkable," she further noted.

Millben, who has performed the Indian National Anthem and patriotic compositions at numerous India-related functions in the United States, revealed her profound emotional bond with India. She expressed, "It's well-known that I cherish India and its people, including Indian communities worldwide."

"Since my initial high-profile introduction to India through music, and certainly through my advocacy for pro-India policies and support for Prime Minister Modi, I feel fortunate to now consider India and its citizens a part of my heart, not merely for the musical and cultural aspects, but for our shared values... During my childhood, we had a wonderful Indian woman, Smita Patil, who helped care for us while my mother managed her busy schedule as a pastor. She became like an elder sister figure and assisted in raising us, exposing us to Indian culture, cuisine, and even music from a very early age. I credit Smita significantly for introducing us to numerous facets of Indian culture," she added.

Addressing 'Operation Sindoor' and recent global conflicts, Millben praised PM Modi's leadership and compassion during challenging periods.

She stated, "I've certainly expressed this publicly, but I wish to emphasize it again because the loss of life and the families still grieving will unfortunately never fade. While news cycles progress and life continues, all these affected families have not moved on, and will not. So I extend my condolences once more to those families who lost loved ones in that horrific terrorist attack."

She continued, "We're witnessing such an escalation of conflict across the world, and I hope that more leaders like Prime Minister Modi and certainly President Donald Trump, whose leadership has contributed to several peace agreements recently, become more actively involved in helping reduce conflict and bring peace to many regions. I definitely applaud the Prime Minister for his leadership, including some of the sacrifices made to bring peace to the region following that terrible terrorist attack. I commend the Prime Minister's courageous leadership in defending India and continuing to defend India..."

Millben, who often describes India as her "second home," continues to champion stronger cultural and diplomatic connections between India and the United States, attributing to Prime Minister Modi the inspiration of millions globally through his inclusive vision and unwavering leadership.