Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned the preface to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s autobiography ‘I Am Giorgia’, describing her as “an extraordinary political leader who combines ideas and heart.”
Calling the book “a Mann Ki Baat – ideas from the heart,” PM Modi emphasised the deep ties between India and Italy, founded on “shared civilising instincts, such as the defence of heritage, the strength of community, and the celebration of femininity as a guiding force.”
Reacting to PM Modi’s gesture, Meloni expressed her gratitude, saying she was “deeply touched and honoured.”
“The words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for whom I have profound respect, in his preface to the Indian edition of the book I Am Giorgia, deeply touch and honour me. These are sentiments that I sincerely reciprocate, with all my heart, and which testify to the strong bond between our nations,” Meloni was quoted as saying by Italian news agency Adnkronos.
Adnkronos noted that PM Modi’s preface stands out for its personal and symbolic tone, as the Indian leader links his message to his friendship with Meloni and their shared ability to combine tradition and modernity.
“I am confident that it will be received as an inspiring tale of an extraordinary contemporary political leader and patriot. It was a great honour to write this preface,” PM Modi said in the note to the Indian edition, which will be released under the title I Am Giorgia – My Roots, My Principles.
Italian media highlighted that PM Modi has previously written only two other prefaces: in 2014, for a book dedicated to Anandiben Patel, his successor as Chief Minister of Gujarat, and in 2017, for the autobiography of Hema Malini, the celebrated Bollywood actor-turned-politician.
“The preface to Meloni’s book, therefore, represents a significant political and personal gesture,” the report observed. “The relationship between the leaders has drawn particular attention since December 1, 2023, when Meloni posted a selfie taken at COP28 in Dubai with the Indian Prime Minister. The hashtag #Melodi has since generated hundreds of millions of views on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, and goes viral every time the two meet.”
The report also noted a striking passage from the preface, in which PM Modi described the book not merely as an autobiography but as Meloni’s own “Mann Ki Baat,” referencing the Prime Minister’s popular monthly radio programme that has become one of his signature modes of communication with the public since 2014.
(With IANS inputs)