Modi In Austria: Europe resonates with ‘Vande Mataram’… Meet Vijay Upadhyay who gave a musical welcome to PM Modi in Austria

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the famous city of Vienna in Austria on a historic visit on Wednesday. Austrian artists gave a musical welcome to PM Modi. These artists were singing India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ to the tune of western music. India’s cultural ambassador Vijay Upadhyay also played an important role in this welcome. he/she led the entire program, which included artists from the musical band. PM Modi said on social media, ‘Austria is known for its wonderful music, I felt very happy to hear such a beautiful rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’.’

Who is Vijay Upadhyay?

Vijay Upadhyay is a big name in the world of music. he/she is known for heading the Vienna University Philharmonic and creating the India National Youth Orchestra, which grooms young musicians. he/she is connecting people around the world by combining foreign and Indian music. Grammy Award winning musician Ricky Kej wrote on social media, ‘he/she is an Indian conductor who fills us with pride, Vijay Upadhyay, who hails from Lucknow. he/she is the director of the famous Vienna University Philharmonic and also founded the India National Youth Orchestra. he/she is very fond of Indian music and often spreads the magic of Indian tunes abroad.’ Upadhyay (57) was born in Lucknow. In 1994, he/she became the director of the Vienna University Philharmonic. he/she is the Austrian representative on the jury of experts for the evaluation of European Union culture projects and is the founder and artistic director of the National Youth Orchestra of India.

Mother taught me music

Vijay Upadhyay’s musical journey began in his/her childhood. his/her mother taught him/her music. he/she learned piano, tabla (an Indian percussion instrument) and Kathak dance. According to Vijay’s blog, his/her passion for conducting arose in his/her adolescence, when he/she was just 14 years old and led his/her school’s choir. After studying at Lucknow University, Vijay moved to Austria to pursue music further. There he/she honed his/her art at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz city. Also, he/she adopted Austrian culture and learned their local language.

Awarded with Golden Award of Honor

Since settling in Vienna, Vijay Upadhyaya has focused on music composition as well as conducting. he/she has composed symphonies such as ‘Prayer Flags’ and ‘Chang An Men – Gateway to Enduring Peace’ which reflect the influence of Indian and Chinese cultures on Western classical music. To nurture young talents, Vijay founded the India National Youth Orchestra and Chorus in 2010 so that they can experience working in orchestras and choruses. his/her contributions span the globe. he/she has served as conductor and composer for the China National Symphony Orchestra and has led several international projects in collaboration with the Austrian Foreign Ministry and the European Union. In recognition of his/her achievements in cultural diplomacy and music, he/she was awarded the Golden Award of Honour in Austria.

PM Modi was thrilled

Modi said in a post on social media platform X, “Austria is known for its vibrant musical culture. I got a glimpse of it through this wonderful singing of Vande Mataram!” Modi also shared a video of the event. Modi will meet the President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen on Wednesday. The Prime Minister and Chancellor Nehammer will also address business leaders from India and Austria. Before leaving for Austria, Modi said on Sunday that shared values ​​​​like democracy, freedom and rule of law are the basis on which the two countries will build a close partnership.

PM Modi met Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and discussed bilateral partnership. Before the meeting, Modi said that India-Austria friendship is strong and it will become stronger in the times to come. Modi arrived here from Moscow on Tuesday evening on a two-day visit. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in more than 40 years. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on ‘X’ with pictures of the welcome ceremony, “India and Austria are writing a new chapter in bilateral relations. PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the Federal Chancellery.” Modi was given a ‘Guard of Honor’ before the talks at the Federal Secretariat (Federal Chancellery) here. he/she also signed the guest book. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Modi at the airport on his/her arrival here. Modi met Nehammer during a private event on Tuesday.