The Chinese President and the First Lady later visited the Sabarmati Riverfront at Ahmedabad, accompanied by the Prime Minister. They witnessed glimpses of Gujarati culture.
The two leaders sat on a jhoola (swing) for a few moments. The President and the First Lady also sat on a traditional cot, before joining the Prime Minister for a private dinner on the riverfront.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, condoled the passing of Shri A. Balakrishnan Ji, who served as the All India President of Vivekananda Kendra. Shri Modi recalled Shri Balakrishnan Ji’s remarkable contribution to society, noting that he devoted more than five decades of his life to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and to the service of the nation. "He had a particularly deep association with the Northeast. He played an important role in educational, social and nation-building activities", Shri Modi noted.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri A. Balakrishnan Ji, who served as the All India President of Vivekananda Kendra.
Balakrishnan Ji devoted more than five decades of his life to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and to the service of society. As one of the early Jeevanvratis of Vivekananda Kendra, he worked tirelessly across the country. He had a particularly deep association with the Northeast. He played an important role in educational, social and nation-building activities.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Vivekananda Kendra family and his admirers. Om Shanti.
@vkendra
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri A. Balakrishnan Ji, who served as the All India President of Vivekananda Kendra.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2026
Balakrishnan Ji devoted more than five decades of his life to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and to the service of society. As one of the early Jeevanvratis… pic.twitter.com/oPJz3fZEgc
