Watch: New Jersey Chef Creates Special 'Modi Ji Thali' Ahead Of PM's US visit

New Jersey-based chef Shripad Kulkarni has crafted a special 'Modi Ji Thali' before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US. Kulkarni curated this unique platter based on recommendations from members of the Indian diaspora. The thali features a diverse range of dishes, including khichdi, rasgulla, sarso da saag, dum aloo, Kashmiri, idli, dhokla, chaach, and papad.

Kulkarni also incorporated millets into the dish to align with the International Year of Millets, declared by the United Nations for 2023. This culinary creation aims to raise awareness about millets and celebrate the UN's designation of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, a recommendation made by the Government of India.

The restaurant owner also plans to launch a second thali dedicated to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the coming days. "We plan to launch this thali soon. I'm very positive that it's going to gain popularity. Once this does well, I also plan to launch a 'Dr. Jaishankar Thali' because he, too, has that rockstar appeal amongst the Indian American community," stated the restaurant management, as reported by news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US comes at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The US First Family will host PM Modi at a state dinner on June 22, marking his first state visit to the country. Previous visits by PM Modi during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump were not classified as state visits. As the visit draws near, Indian communities residing in the US are eagerly anticipating and preparing to welcome the Prime Minister.

During his visit, PM Modi will address a joint meeting of the US Congress, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to address such a gathering for the second time. Additionally, the Indian diaspora in the United States plans to organize an 'India Unity Day' march in 20 major cities across America on June 18.

A group of Indian-Americans is expected to gather at the Andrews Air Force Base to welcome Air India One when it lands on June 21. Furthermore, 600 Indian Americans will greet PM Modi at the Freedom Plaza in front of the Willard Intercontinental in Washington, where he will be staying.