ROME– Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written the preface to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s autobiography, calling her an “extraordinary political leader who combines ideas and heart.” The book, titled I Am Giorgia – My Roots, My Principles, is set to be released in India with Modi’s personal message at the forefront.
In his preface, Modi describes Meloni’s story as a “Mann Ki Baat,” or “ideas from the heart,” drawing a parallel to his own long-running radio program of the same name. He highlights the cultural and civilizational ties between India and Italy, writing of “shared instincts, such as the defense of heritage, the strength of community, and the celebration of femininity as a guiding force.”
Meloni responded warmly to Modi’s contribution, saying she was “deeply touched and honored.” “The words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for whom I have profound respect, deeply touch and honor me. These are sentiments I sincerely reciprocate, with all my heart, and which testify to the strong bond between our nations,” she said, according to Italian news agency Adnkronos.
Italian media noted the symbolic importance of Modi’s gesture, pointing out that he has written only two other prefaces — in 2014 for a book on Anandiben Patel, his successor as Gujarat chief minister, and in 2017 for the autobiography of Bollywood icon-turned-politician Hema Malini.
The Modi–Meloni relationship has drawn considerable public attention since December 2023, when Meloni posted a selfie with the Indian leader during the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The viral hashtag “#Melodi” has since sparked hundreds of millions of views across platforms including X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
In closing his preface, Modi said he hoped Meloni’s book would be received as “an inspiring tale of an extraordinary contemporary political leader and patriot.” He added: “It was a great honor to write this preface.” (Source: IANS)
