Will West start eating ‘Pani Puri’, S Jaishankar’s reply to ‘Aapke Muh Mein Ghee-Shakkar’ goes viral

Stockholm: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar used the popular Hindi phrase ‘aap muhne mein ghee-shakkar’ while answering a question on globalization of Indian culture during an interaction with members of the Indian community here, evoking laughter. Jaishankar, who is on a three-day visit to Sweden to participate in the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum (EIPMF), interacted with the Indian community in Sweden on Sunday evening and apprised them of the progress in bilateral ties. The minister talked about the ongoing changes in India and the opportunities created for Indians living abroad.

Asked if in this era of globalization, the West would start eating ‘pani puri’ instead of hamburgers and whether H&M T-shirts would have New Delhi printed instead of New York, Jashankar said, “There is one word, Jo kehta hai ‘Aapke muh mein ghee-shakkar’ (What you are saying, hope it is true)” as the audience laughed and clapped.

“I can really see this globalization of Indian culture happening. And it’s happening for a variety of reasons. One, of course, is because of the spread of the diaspora. Second, we ourselves, I think, are very We are full of confidence. Expressing it. It is important that we try to find ways to make it (globalization of Indian culture) more universal,” Jaishankar said.

And, a very good example of that is actually this initiative, which started in 2015 to celebrate International Day of Yoga, which was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who talked about it in the United States, he said.

The minister said, “I must say, in all honesty, none of us could have really imagined that it would progress the way it has now. There is no country in the world where Yoga Not excited for…” said.

“But there are other areas you know, it could be music, it could be cinema, I mean, the power of culture. And I think that’s the strength of India. It’s the strength of India that we have seen in drama. I haven’t brought in.” The way we can, we must. And I hope people like you can be so enthusiastic, I’m sure everyone will join you,” he said.

Jaishankar’s visit to Sweden is his first as External Affairs Minister. The visit is taking place at a time when India and Sweden are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.
Sweden currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.