Saudi Gazette RIYADH — Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Namar camp in Riyadh, the last stop on Saturday, the first day of his two-day visit to the Kingdom, was electrifying — not only for his warmth in saluting the unsung heroes but for the happiness that permeated throughout the company's Mess Hall, which was packed by hundreds of Indian workers. Activity had begun much before Modi's arrival as the large number of skilled and semi-skilled Indians waited patiently to be let into the hall after a security check. Their optimism and patience was rewarded by the premier's commendation of their work and his easy interaction during his nearly one hour stop. Once inside, the workers — who were coming in groups — made their way to others from their own region to seat themselves at the same row. Some even tried to save space for the ones still in line outside to be cleared. But good-natured ribbing and some comical one-liners rent the air as the people coming in settled down. The Keralites, Tamils, and the northerners from UP and Bihar were predominant as they were the ones standing in large groups. Senior technicians and supervisors slowly got into the mode of getting everyone seated. But all tried to get the best seat up front to be near the prime minister. "We are really happy. And it is a great honor for us that our prime minister is here, and a glimpse of him will make my day," said a radiant worker from Kerala. And this was the general sentiment prevailing in the hall. A semi-skilled worker from Jharkand was pressing home the point to his colleagues that why he chose that particular row and why at the corner seat? "Modji yahan se guzarein ge, aur hume clear darshan mile ga (Modi will pass by here and I'll get a clear glimpse)," he said. The workers were not only behaving at their best by being orderly and listening to their supervisors, but were also dressed in their best. They had presented themselves cleanly for the occasion and the colorful shirts provided the mosaic that was India, from kurta pajamas to jeans and pressed pants to shirts and t-shirts in their gleaming boots and shoes they arrived as they masked their sweat. But it was their sweat and hard work that was pin-pointed by Modi as the trait worth commending. As Modi arrived to the clapping and chanting of Modi, Modi the whole hall erupted as a wave to get a look at their leader. And when he began with the line: "It is the aroma of your sweat that has brought me here," the hall thundered with the sound of clapping. And when Modi continued, saying, "Your sweat not only feeds your family back home, but it also brings pride and honor to India" the hall reverberated with a thunderous ovation The labors truly acknowledged...
