Malaysia's '"Little India" Over The Moon Over PM Modi's Maiden Visit

By R. Ratcharathan and Ammar Shafiq Hamzah KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- On Monday, the bustling, shopping haven for the local Indian community, dubbed 'Little India in the medium-sized town of Brickfields, near here is all set to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In less than 24 hours, the highlight of his maiden visit, besides the ASEAN-India Summit and the 10th East Asia Summit will also be the inauguration of the Torana Gate in 'Little India'. A spokesman of the Indian High Commission said preparations for the inauguration - scheduled to be launched by Modi and Prime Minister Najib Razak at noon on Monday tomorrow - were in full swing. She said the preparations included programme and dance rehearsals and safety and security-related matters were underway without a hitch. The Torana Gate was donated by the Indian Government to symbolise the friendship of the two countries. A Bernama survey saw shop owners sprucing up and cleaning their premises, with a few giving a new paint job for their buildings for that fresh disposition. Meantime, Kuala Lumpur City Hall workers were also cleaning up and beautifying 'Little India', in conjunction with the Indian prime minister's visit which is set to lure thousands of Malaysians. The rehearsal for Modi's visit was underway Sunday. Such was the excitement which filled the air over Modi's visit that some thought the big event was on Sunday, and waited for hours for the Indian premier's arrival. Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Sheela Mayappan, 45, who came to watch the preparations for Monday's event said the Indian prime minister's visit to Malaysia was significant as it would further strengthen ties between the two countries. "This is his (Modi) first visit to our country, we heard a lot of positive stories about the things he did in India and I am excited to see him in person tomorrow," she told Bernama here today. For housewife Madna Malla, 65, the public enthusiasm over Modi's visit reflected the Indian premier's iconic status which reverebated the world over. "You can notice, based on the many people from different racial backgrounds coming together to watch last-minute preparations that they are indeed, over the moon, wanting to see the man (Modi) in person," she said. Meanwhile, an Indian immigrant worker, N. Mathimarimuthu, 32 said Modi's presence in Malaysia was a milestone in India-Malaysia cooperation. The construction worker said this would be his first time meeting Modi since he become prime minister. Florist shop proprietress S. Jeyalakshmi said all shop owners in 'Little India' were anxious to meet Modi. "His visit is akin to a festivity of merry-making which will colour Brickfields." Thousands of people are expected to throng 'Little India' for the opening of the massive gateway on Monday. -- BERNAMA