Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a heartfelt letter to Saroj Devi, the mother of India’s celebrated javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra. In the letter, PM Modi expressed his deep gratitude for the special homemade ‘churma’ Saroj Devi had sent him ahead of the Indian festival of Navratri, a time traditionally associated with devotion and fasting in Hindu culture.
Modi began his letter with respectful greetings, conveying his hope that Neeraj Chopra’s mother was “healthy, safe, and happy.” He further mentioned that he had met Neeraj during a banquet organized for the visiting Jamaican Prime Minister, and during their conversation, Neeraj had given him the churma prepared by his mother. Modi expressed his joy and gratitude upon receiving the treat, which had a personal connection for him.
PM Modi writes to Olympian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi thanking her for the ‘Churma’ made by her given to him by Neeraj Chopra pic.twitter.com/8gvw4ZYFaD
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2024
“Respectful greetings! I hope you are healthy, safe, and happy. Yesterday, at the banquet held on the occasion of the Jamaican Prime Minister’s visit to India, I had the opportunity to meet brother Neeraj. My joy increased during our discussions when he gave me the delicious churma made by you,” wrote PM Modi. He continued, “After eating this churma today, I couldn’t stop myself from writing to you. Brother Neeraj often talks to me about this churma, but today, after tasting it, I became emotional. This gift, filled with your immense love and warmth, reminded me of my mother.”
Modi also noted how special it was to receive the churma just before the Navratri festival. He emphasized that during these nine days of fasting, the churma would serve as his primary sustenance and expressed how much the gift meant to him personally. “Just as the food you prepare gives brother Neeraj the energy to win medals for the country, this churma will give me the strength to serve the nation for the next nine days,” Modi remarked in his letter.
The Prime Minister concluded by assuring Saroj Devi and mothers across the country that he would continue working tirelessly towards realizing the vision of a developed India. “On the occasion of the Navratri festival of strength, I assure you and all the mothers across the country that I will continue to work tirelessly with even more dedication to realize the vision of a developed India,” the letter concluded.
The connection between PM Modi and Neeraj Chopra’s family has been growing, especially after Modi humorously reminded Neeraj of the churma during a meet with Indian athletes ahead of the Paris Olympics. Modi had jokingly said to Neeraj, “Mera churma abhi tak aaya nahi (I haven’t received my churma yet),” eliciting laughter from everyone present. Saroj Devi, touched by the Prime Minister’s words, promised to prepare a special batch of her homemade churma, which she sent just before Navratri.
Neeraj Chopra, who is a global sports icon and the pride of India, recently finished second in the men’s javelin throw at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. His best throw of 87.86 meters was just shy of the winning distance by Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who achieved 87.87 meters. Despite the close finish, Chopra’s consistent performance continues to inspire millions across the country, and his mother’s contribution through her care and devotion was recognized by none other than the Prime Minister himself.
PM Modi’s letter not only reflects his admiration for Neeraj Chopra’s achievements but also the importance of familial love and traditional values, especially during India’s festive seasons like Navratri.
