British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be presented a copy of ‘The Spirit’s Pilgrimage’ written by Madeleine Slade (or Mirabehn), who was a British supporter of Indian independence and a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi.
News agency ANI reported that the book will be gifted to Johnson during his visit Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram.
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‘Guide to London’, one of the first books written by Mahatma Gandhi (which was never published) will also be gifted.
The British PM was landed in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Thursday morning and was received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, as well as Governor Acharya Devvrat. Senior state officials and ministers were also present to receive the UK prime minister.
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Johnson was greeted at the airport by troupes playing and performing traditional Gujarati music and dances, and then took part in a four-km roadshow to his hotel in the city.
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The roadshow started at the airport and passed through Ashram Road via Dafnala and Riverfront.
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As many as 40 platforms were erected at regular intervals, on which again troupes performed traditional Indian dances to welcome Boris Johnson.
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On this visit Johnson will aim to strengthen bilateral ties, especially defence and security and trade. Russia’s war on Ukraine is also expected to figure in discussions with prime minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Friday.
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Meanwhile, India has abstained from United Nations votes condemning the Russian invasion, although it has spoken out strongly on humanitarian aspects and has urged both Russia and Ukraine to hold talks and find a peaceful solution.