Marking a visually engaging and culturally resonant moment during his visit to West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a calm boat ride on the Hooghly River in Kolkata, where he experienced the city’s heritage from the river while also attempting photography.
The morning journey offered a picturesque view of the Hooghly, with iconic landmarks such as the Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu providing a dramatic backdrop. The visit quickly drew public attention after the Prime Minister shared photographs on social media, showing him seated on a traditional wooden boat holding a camera and observing the riverfront closely.
During the ride, PM Modi described the experience as emotionally and culturally significant, underlining the deep spiritual value associated with the river. He stated that for the people of Bengal, the Ganga is not just a river but a sacred presence in everyday life and tradition, symbolising the continuity of India’s ancient civilisation. He expressed reverence for the river, referring to it as an opportunity to pay respects to “Maa Ganga.”
In his post, the Prime Minister also mentioned his interaction with local boatmen and early morning walkers along the riverbank. He acknowledged the hard work of the boatmen and their long-standing connection with the river, noting that their livelihood is closely tied to its waters. These brief exchanges, he said, reflected the vibrant and living culture that exists along the Hooghly.
A notable highlight of the visit was PM Modi’s engagement with photography. He shared that he “tried his hand at photographing this great river,” capturing its natural beauty along with the surrounding architectural landmarks. The images depicted him actively documenting the river’s landscape during the journey.
The visit also carried a political message, as the Prime Minister reiterated the central government’s commitment to the growth and development of West Bengal. He emphasized continued focus on infrastructure, progress, and the welfare of the people of the state, particularly the “great Bengali people.”
Officials accompanying the Prime Minister said that the boat ride was part of his scheduled programme in Kolkata amid ongoing political engagements in the state. However, the Hooghly River experience stood out as a symbolic moment blending governance with cultural appreciation.
The Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganga, remains one of Kolkata’s most important natural and historical landmarks. It plays a vital role in the city’s economy, culture, and identity, representing centuries of tradition and livelihood.
As the photographs continue to circulate widely, the visit has sparked discussions about the intersection of cultural heritage and political outreach, leaving a strong visual impact of the Prime Minister’s riverfront experience in Kolkata.
