GANDHINAGAR: Even as Gujarat waits with bated breath to welcome the US President with “Kem Chho Trump”, the state government has been directed to replace the Gujarati expression with “Namaste President Trump” to help the event find resonance across India.

Gujarat chief secretary Anil Mukim told TOI: “The government of India has informed us about the ‘ Namaste President Trump ’ theme and all campaign materials will be as per the Centre’s directions.”

Sources said that “Kem Chho Trump (How are you, Trump)” had a regional flavour, while the event is being planned as a massive national show.

The state government has been told to design communication material to present “namaste” as the traditional Indian welcome for Trump on his maiden visit as president to the country.

In Ahmedabad, Trump will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Motera Stadium, the world’s largest cricket arena.

“A Gujarati label for Trump’s first event in India would not have been appropriate,” said a government official. “Moreover, ‘namaste’ is understood as an Indian greeting across the world.”

Deputy CM and government spokesperson Nitin Patel said India has to be the theme of the visit as it is a national event.

A source said though the Prime Minister’s Office and the foreign ministry are yet to formally approve the “Namaste President Trump” theme, all billboards, placards and hoardings are likely to feature it. “Photographs of President Trump and the first lady will be used along with images that reflect India-US ties,” the source said.

