Rs 100-crore aid to develop Janakpur

Janakpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday assured Nepal that it is at the top of India’s Neighbourhood First policy as he announced a Rs 100 crore package to develop Janakpur — the sacred city for Hindus — while invoking mythological links between the two countries.

Speaking at a civic reception by the Jana-kpur Sub-Metropolitan City at Barhabigha ground here, Mr Modi briefly spoke in Nepali and Maithili.

He began his address by chanting “Jay Siya Ram” slogan three times. In a speech that invoked mythological references and symbolism, Mr Modi said he has come to Janakpur not as the Prime Minister but as the chief pilgrim, amid applause.     

Modi, who is on his third visit to Nepal since assuming office in 2014, read out a verse from Ramcharitmanas which says ‘one cannot remain isolated from the suffering of a friend and a true friend always helps his friend in the time of suffering.’