According to news agency ANI, a restaurant in New Jersey has introduced a special 'thali' in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the United States.
The 'Modi ji thali,' curated by chef Shripad Kulkarni, includes a variety of dishes such as Khichdi, rasgulla, sarson ka saag, Kashmiri dum aloo, idli, dhokla, chaach, and papad, among others.
Chef Kulkarni stated that the selection of items was based on the preferences of the local Indian diaspora.
In a video shared by ANI, Chef Kulkarni showcased the vibrant 'thali' and provided more details about this special offering.
The restaurant owner also plans to introduce a second thali dedicated to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the near future.
#WATCH | A New Jersey-based restaurant launches 'Modi Ji' Thali for PM Narendra Modi's upcoming State Visit to the US. Restaurant owner Shripad Kulkarni gives details on the Thali. pic.twitter.com/XpOEtx9EDg
— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2023
"We have plans to launch this thali soon. I am positive that it will become popular. Once this thali gains popularity, I also intend to launch a Dr. Jaishankar Thali because he has a rockstar appeal within the Indian American community," Chef Kulkarni mentioned.
The 'thali' also pays tribute to the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations, following a recommendation from the Indian government in 2019.
During his first state visit to the US, Prime Minister Modi will be hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at a dinner on June 22. He will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint meeting of the US Congress for the second time.
Prime Minister Modi is no stranger to 'thalis' inspired by him. Last year, ahead of his birthday on September 17, a Delhi-based restaurant launched the "56 inch Narendra Modi Thali." ARDOR 2.1, located in Connaught Place, introduced the 'thali' consisting of 56 items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
Indian Americans are planning to welcome Prime Minister Modi with an 'India Unity Day' march in 20 major cities across America on June 18, as announced by the organizers.
On June 21, several prominent Indian-Americans will join Prime Minister Modi on the north lawns of the UN complex in New York, where he will lead the International Yoga Day event.
On June 22, over seven thousand Indian Americans plan to gather at the South Lawns of the White House, where President Biden and the First Lady will welcome the Prime Minister amidst a 21-gun salute.
