Most Indians do not show off their Indian traditions as they feel those are out-of-age practices which do not resonate in the current times. But, COVID19 has brought back focus on these age-old ‘Indian’ practices for the merits they offer and to keep the Coronavirus away. One such Indian tradition that has gained global importance during these COVID19 times is ‘Namaste’.
Folding hands together and greeting people with a smile is a trademark Indian greeting tradition being practiced since many centuries. To shake hands was always considered uber cool, contemporary way of greeting that was accepted globally, until the advent of COVID19. Gone are those days, when people shook hands and hugged each other. The new normal is ‘Namaste’.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on French President Emmanuel Macron at a Mediterranean holiday retreat, the Fort of Bregancon, in South France. And guess what? They greeted each other with a ‘Namaste’. The duo has become the new brand ambassadors of this age-old Indian greeting practice making people take notice.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also chose to greet each other with a ‘Namaste’ instead of the usual official handshake. Even Prince Charles was last seen greeting his people with a ‘Namaste’ in London during these pandemic times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing India Global Week 2020 had spoken about Yoga, Ayurveda, and Namaste being embraced by the global community during this pandemic.