Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Stuns with Fluent Hindi in Viral Interview
A remarkable video has been capturing widespread attention across Indian social media platforms, featuring an unexpected display of linguistic prowess. Salah Ahmed Jama, the Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, demonstrates confident and fluent Hindi during an interview with a journalist, creating a significant buzz among viewers.
Unexpected Hindi Proficiency Captivates Indian Audience
In the circulating clip, Jama engages comfortably in Hindi conversation, surprising many with his linguistic abilities. When questioned about where he acquired the language, he responds simply yet meaningfully: "In India." He proceeds to share nostalgic memories of his time living and studying across multiple Indian cities, specifically mentioning Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi. Jama describes these formative years as "the best days of my life," adding emotional depth to his linguistic connection with India.
Why This Video Resonated Deeply with Indian Viewers
The viral interview reveals more than just language skills—it uncovers historical connections between the two nations. Jama refers to India and Somalia as "neighbours" with shared historical ties, emphasizing India's significant role in educating generations of Somali leadership. He specifically mentions that this includes the current Somali President, a detail that particularly resonated with Indian social media users who viewed this as validation of India's educational influence abroad.
Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many interpreting the video as a powerful demonstration of India's soft power through education. At a time when geopolitical influence is frequently measured through economic or military metrics, this linguistic connection offers a different perspective on international relations.
Social media responses included:
- "Wonderful knowledge of the language. Exceptional."
- "Unbelievable, your Hindi pronunciation is perfect."
- "Delighted to hear your fluent Hindi, Hon'ble Deputy PM Salah Jama. A beautiful nod to our centuries-old bond—from ancient sailors to today's friends."
Jama's Formative Years in India Shaped His Worldview
Born in 1980 in Erigavo within Somalia's Sanaag region, Jama spent crucial developmental years in India before pursuing higher education in Canada. Official profiles indicate he resided in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Delhi—experiences that fundamentally shaped his perspective and multilingual capabilities. Beyond Somali and English, Jama speaks both Hindi and Urdu, a linguistic repertoire that adds to the fascination surrounding the viral video, as confirmed by Somalia's Prime Minister's Office.
Academic Journey and Professional Development
Following his Indian education, Jama relocated to Canada, where he completed both bachelor's and master's degrees in Political Science and Developmental Studies at Ottawa's Carleton University. His professional path included roles as a teacher and research assistant, with particular focus on peace-building, democratization, and state-building in post-conflict societies. His academic contributions include co-authoring research examining Afro-optimism and development challenges in fragile states.
Return to Somalia and Public Service Contributions
Jama returned to Somalia in the 2000s, entering public service where he played instrumental roles in electoral reforms and democratic institution-building. Over subsequent years, he served as Minister of Labour and later as Minister of Constitutional Affairs, leading initiatives in civil service reforms, social safety net programs, and constitutional review processes.
Current Role as Deputy Prime Minister
Appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia on August 2, 2022, Jama oversees critical portfolios including economic development, climate change response, rule of law implementation, inclusive politics, and stabilization efforts in regions recovered from extremist groups. During the viral interview, he also addressed recent derogatory remarks about Somalia by US President Donald Trump, asserting that Somalia remains "a viable state with great potential and prosperity despite enormous challenges."
The video has sparked renewed interest in India's longstanding educational and diplomatic connections with Somalia, highlighting how personal educational experiences can foster international understanding and appreciation across cultures and continents.
