A Tunisian woman who professes love for India speaks four Indian languages — Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam and Tamil.

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ew Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) Union Minister Sushma Swaraj was moved by a Tunisian woman’s professed love for India on Tuesday, leading senior politicians to say that she must have been “Indian in her previous life.”

Maha Gaida, 31, who speaks four Indian languages — Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam and Tamil — participated in the grand finale of the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye quiz‘ and was emotionally exhausted when explaining her relationship with India.

“Tunisia and India, both of which have their own particular place in my heart. I’m happy to take part in this event, and looking forward to further exploring India. I’d like to thank Sushma ji for this opportunity,” she said.

Maha, who participated in the foreigner category, later while interacting with reporters said this was her fourth visit to India, but first shot at the quiz contest.

Her professed love for India, charmed Swaraj, who in her address at the event held at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra here, said, “Among all the events organised by the MEA, the quiz is the dearest to me.”

“Maha has been very excited about her visit and was getting overwhelmed answering each of the question which shows she came well-prepared. But, what is the most striking part is her love for India,” she said.

“Maha, you must have been an Indian in your previous life… we in India believe that (previous life). And, it is that love for India which is manifesting in your eyes and words spoken,” Swaraj said, drawing applause from the audience.

During the felicitation ceremony, Maha greeted Swaraj by touching her feet on the dais and the minister reciprocated by hugging her.

A senior Ministry of External Affairs official said 24 contestants were selected for the semi-final, which took place on Sunday, from over 40,000 applications drawn from over 100 countries. From 24 semi-finalists, nine were chosen for the grand finale in three categories — NRI, PIO and foreigner.

An emotionally overwhelmed Maha, during her interaction with reporters, said she learned Kathakali dance in Kerala during her visit to India a few years ago.

“I love Bollywood films, but I also love south Indian language films. Indian films are not just Bollywood. I like Shah Rukh Khan but also Vijay from Tamil films and others,” she said.

Maha, who comes from Sousse city in Tunisia, said she is watching online film that helped her pick up Hindi. Her younger sister, Soha, a fashion designer who also took part in the quiz case, said, “We’re watching French subtitled TV films.”

Maha said that both India and Tunisia had a range of similarities, such as spicy food, scenic locals and cultural roots celebrated in both countries.

“I am deeply in love with India and it is my heart,” she extolled. PTI KND KJ