Actress Mary Millben to perform during Modi’s events in New York and Washington DC

Known for her mesmerizing performances of the Indian National Anthem “Jan Gana Mana” and the devotional song “Om Jai Jagdish Hare,” the 38-year-old Millben will be attending the 9th International Day of Yoga at the UN Headquarters (UNHQ) on June 21st. She will be joining Prime Minister Modi on the UNHQ North Lawn, alongside United Nations General Assembly President Csaba Korosi, India’s Ambassador to the UN Ruchira Kamobj, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Millben stated, “I look forward to joining United Nations General Assembly President Csaba Korosi, Ambassador Ruchira Kamobj, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams in welcoming Prime Minister Modi for this first event in the United States.”

Additionally, she has been invited to perform during the Indian Diaspora event at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington on June 23.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States from June 21-24, at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, will include a state dinner hosted by the Bidens on June 22. The visit also features a much-anticipated address to the Joint Session of Congress on June 22, as well as an exclusive gathering of diaspora leaders at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington on June 23.

Millben expressed her excitement for the Prime Minister’s visit, stating, “I have great anticipation and excitement as the Prime Minister visits the United States next week. This visit celebrates the U.S.-India relationship, the world’s two largest democracies and the most important relationship in the world today.”

Formally invited by the Steering Committee for Prime Minister’s Official State Visit, Millben is confirmed to perform at an exclusive Diaspora reception hosted by the United States Indian Community Foundation (USICF) at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., on June 23. She expressed gratitude for the invitation and emphasized the significance of the U.S.-India relationship, symbolizing unity, freedom, and democracy.

Recognized for her bipartisan platform, Millben has garnered acclaim for using music to unite and foster patriotism worldwide. Her performances of the National Anthem and patriotic music for four consecutive U.S. Presidents, international royalty, and global leaders have left a lasting impact. Her virtual rendition of the Indian National Anthem in 2020 for India’s Independence Day and the revered Hindu hymn “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” for the Diwali observance have been widely praised and viewed by millions across the United States, India, and the world.

Following in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who made a historic pilgrimage to India in 1959, Millben embarked on her own transformative journey in August 2022. As an official guest from the United States, invited by the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, she made her mark during the celebration of India’s 75th Anniversary of Independence. Making history as the first American and African American artist to be invited for the Independence Day observance, Millben performed in front of an audience of 1.4 billion people, solidifying the deep bonds of friendship between the two nations.

Updated: 18 Jun 2023, 08:12 AM IST