PM hails Friends of India in S Korea

Seoul: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the Friends of India association in South Korea and underlined the need to find ways to connect people working in arts and culture here with those in similar fields in India.

"I find that young generation of Korea is interested in Indian culture, arts and music. We need to find ways by which people working in arts and culture here can remain connected with the similar people in India," he told the members of the association at a programme here.

"You know about the Bollywood...But you may not know about the regional films of India," he said on the country's cultural diversity.

Ahead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, Modi asked the Friends of India members to participate in events to mark the 5,000-year-old Indian physical, mental and spiritual practice that aims to transform body and mind.

"Friends of India can think about the largest Yoga celebration in Korea. I request you all to join International Day of Yoga on 21st June," he said.

The UN adopted an India-led resolution declaring June 21 as 'International Day of Yoga' in December last year, less than three months after Modi proposed the idea. Modi said he was proud to meet them in the "special meeting".

"I feel proud to meet all of you". PM @narendramodi to Friends of India in the Republic of Korea. "Hanguk chingudeul thedani gamsahamnida! Thank you to all Korean friends. PM @narendramodi meets Friends of India," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. "This is a very special meeting in Korea for me, says PM at programme of Friends of India in the Republic of Korea."