Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

INDIA PRESIDENT HAILS INDIAN NATIONALS LIVING IN ESWATINI

By Simon Shabangu | 2020-01-27

PRESIDENT of the Republic of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind has hailed Indian nationals in the diaspora for promoting India’s image and bringing prosperity to the respective places they live around the world.

The president was speaking on eve of the Republic of India Day 2020 in New Delhi, India on Saturday. His speech was delivered to the Indian community living in Eswatini by the High Commissioner Radha Venkataraman at the Indian Residence in Mbabane yesterday morning.

The day also marked the hoisting of the country’s flag at the residence, situated at Thembelihle in Mbabane. It was graced by His Majesty the King’s representative Prince Hlangusempi.

The president said the people of India living around the world make the country proud.

“Another source of pride for our country has been our diaspora. During my visits abroad, I have observed that Indians have not only brought prosperity to their adopted lands, they have also enhanced India’s image before the world community. Many of them have made great contributions in a wide variety of endeavours,” he said.

The high commissioner delivered the speech before over 100 Indian nationals, who came as families for the celebration of their special day, as well as to witness the hoisting of the country’s flag as they now have a fully-fledged embassy in the kingdom.

President Shri Ram Nath Kovind said the idea of the world as a large well-knit family is captured in their message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ strengthens their relations with other nations.

He said India had been sharing their democratic ideals and the fruits of their development with the entire world. He said part of their tradition was inviting heads of state to participate in their Republic Day celebrations.

He said his guest this year was the President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro. He said his country remained committed to engaging the global community to build a secure and prosperous future, not only for them but also for the entire humanity.

The president also reminded the Indian community to always observe their founding father Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.

He said these ideals remained relevant in their nation-building efforts.

“It should be part of our daily routine to introspect on Gandhiji’s message of truth and nonviolence, which has become all the more necessary in our times. When fighting for a cause, people, particularly the youth, should not forget the gift Ahimsa Gandhiji gave to humanity. Gandhiji’s talisman for deciding whether an act is right or wrong also applies to the functioning of our democracy. Government and opposition both have important roles to play.

“While giving expression to their political ideas, both must move forward in tandem to ensure that development of the country and welfare of its people is promoted consistently,” said the president in his speech as delivered by the high commissioner.

He said as they celebrated the 70th anniversary they were also celebrating the 150th birthday of the world respected leader Mahatma Gandhi.

He said this year they decided to add a meaningful dimension to their celebrations of 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji.

The president also stressed the importance of a strong internal security which is essential for the development of his country. He said the government had taken several concrete steps to strengthen the internal security system.

“I have nothing but unreserved praise for our armed forces, paramilitary and internal security forces. Their sacrifices to preserve the integrity and unity of our country present a saga of unparalleled courage and discipline.

“Our farmers, doctors and nurses, teachers who impart learning and values, scientists and engineers, alert and active youth, industrious members of our workforce, entrepreneurs contributing to our economic wealth, artists who enrich our culture, service sector professionals who have earned global appreciation, our fellow countrymen contributing in many other spheres of activity and specially our resilient daughters who have scaled new heights of achievements against odds - they all bring pride to our nation.”

As part of their celebration, the high commissioner hosted an Independence celebration at the Royal Villas which was also attended by the King’s representative as well other diplomats and their special guests.

share story