Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday applauded the performance of the South African Girmitiya song ‘Ganga Maiya’, which was performed upon his arrival in South Africa’s Johannesburg for the G20 Summit,
saying that it was a very joyful and emotional experience.
PM Modi shared the video on X, where he can be seen enjoying the cultural tribute. He highlighted how the song embodies the resilience and memory of the early Indian community in South Africa.
“It was a very joyful and emotional experience for us to witness the performance of the South African Girmitiya song ‘Ganga Maiya’ in Johannesburg,” he said in a post on X.
हमरा खातिर ई बहुत खुशी के अऊर भावुक अनुभव रहल कि हम जोहान्सबर्ग में दक्षिण अफ्रीका के गिरमिटिया गीत ‘गंगा मैया’ के प्रस्तुति देखनी। एह प्रस्तुति के एगो अऊर खास बात रहल कि ई गीत के तमिल में भी गावल गइल! ई गीत में ओह लोगन के आस अऊर अटूट हिम्मत बसल बा, एवं लोग कई बरिस पहिले इहां आइल… pic.twitter.com/NL8n2XUS2a
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
What made the performance even more distinctive, he noted, was the inclusion of a Tamil rendition of the traditional song — a tribute to the diverse linguistic roots of the Indian-origin community in South Africa.
“The song embodies the hope and unwavering courage of those people who came here many years ago. Through these songs and bhajans, they kept India alive in their hearts,” he added.
PM Modi is on a three-day visit to South Africa to attend the G20 Summit.
Upon his arrival at the hotel, a group of children recited a prayer to welcome him. Local artists performed traditional dances, displaying the cultural heritage of states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The Prime Minister also interacted with children who recited Vedic Mantras. He was seen clapping to the tunes of musical performances. He shook hands and interacted with the members of the Indian community as they chanted ‘Modi-Modi’.
“Deeply touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Johannesburg. This affection reflects the enduring bond between India and South Africa. These ties, rooted in history and strengthened by shared values, continue to grow even stronger!” PM Modi said in a series of posts.
He said the cultural connection between India and South Africa is “truly heartwarming and timeless”.
“In Johannesburg, my young friends sang the Ganapati Prarthana, Shanti Mantra and other divine prayers with great devotion. Such moments reaffirm the enduring bonds between our people,” he added.
“India’s vibrant cultural diversity on display in South Africa! Members of the Indian community took the lead in showcasing folk dances from 11 states of India during a short cultural programme aptly titled ‘Rhythms of a United India.’ It is commendable how the Indian community has remained connected with its roots,” he said.
PM Modi will be in South Africa from November 21 to 23 for the first G20 Summit to be held on the African continent. His visit will focus on issues concerning India as well as priorities of the Global South.
This visit marks his fourth official trip to South Africa, following his 2016 bilateral visit and participation in the BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023.
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