US First Lady Jill Biden, Modi visit National Science Foundation in Alexandria

Both Modi and Jill Biden attended the Skilling For Future event organised by the National Science Foundation.

“Our universities are partnering together, leading research, creating apprenticeships and internships that span the ocean,” Biden said at the event. “And as we’ve seen here, students from both countries are learning and growing alongside of each other, discovering the people they want to become and building a better world together.”

The Indian prime minister highlighted the emphasis India has placed on education, integrating learning and training.

“I am really happy to have got an opportunity to interact with young and creative minds here. India is working on several projects in collaboration with NSF. I thank First Lady Jill Biden for planning and organising this event,” Modi said.

“Our goal is to make this decade a ‘tech decade’ or ‘tech-ade,” Modi said in Hindi.

“PM @narendramodi and @FLOTUS @DrBiden participated in a unique event focused on promoting vocational education and skill development among youth. PM and @FLOTUS discussed collaborative efforts aimed at creating workforce for the future. PM highlighted various initiatives undertaken by India to promote education, research and entrepreneurship,” ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

Afterward, the First Lady returned to the White House to unveil the decor and menu for Thursday’s state dinner, which is being held in a temporary pavilion erected on the South Grounds of the White House. She enlisted help from a guest chef, Nina Curtis, who specializes in plant-based cooking, to work on the three dinner courses with the White House kitchen staff.

The NSF is headed by Indian American Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Updated: 22 Jun 2023, 03:11 AM IST