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Celebrations of the 76th Independence Day of India in Antananarivo

Posted on: August 15, 2022 | Back | Print

President, Foreign Minister of Madagascar congratulate India on its 76th Independence Day, call India an inspiration 

Celebrations of the 76th Independence Day of India in Antananarivo, Madagascar were marked by unfurling of the Indian National Flag by Ambassador Abhay Kumar which was attended by the Indian community in Madagascar. Ambassador also hosted a reception on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day of India, in which the President of the Senate of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Herimanana Razafimahefa was the Chief Guest.
It was also attended by Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Mines, Minister of Transport, besides the Ambassadors and the Head of International Organisations in Madagascar.

Speaking on the occasion of the reception hosted at the Embassy’s Residence, Ambassador Abhay Kumar said:

“India attained her Independence on 15 August 1947 and we are celebrating 75 years of its independent journey as progressive India through an initiative called: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The initiative recognizes the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements and the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the whole Earth is a family. I am happy to see this core Indian philosophy in practice in the form of donation to Madagascar of 50 computers, 15000 bicycles and 5000 tonnes of rice from India."

"I would like to thank the members of Indian Community, who are the representatives of India in Madagascar, for their cooperation with the Indian Embassy. The Indian community in Madagascar has its roots in the state of Gujarat. The Community not only plays a crucial role economically, but also enriches Madagascar’s cultural and social diversity. The Embassy organized an exhibition on the history of Indian Diaspora in Madagascar in March 2021.  Recently a Centre for Indian Diaspora was opened in Antananarivo in July 2022. I believe it will go a long way in improving the understanding of the history, journey, role and contributions of Indian diaspora in Madagascar", Ambassador said.

The Chief Guest of the evening, the President of the Senate of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Herimanana Razafimahefa
 said: “ On behalf of His Excellency Mr. Andry Rajoelina , President of the Republic of Madagascar, on behalf of the Government and the people of Madagascar, and on my own behalf, I would like to express our warmest congratulations to Her Excellency Mrs. Droupadi MURMU, President of the Republic of India, to His Excellency Narendra Modi , Prime Minister of the Republic of India, as well as to the people of India on the occasion of this great celebration."

Highlighting the relationship between India and Madagascar, the President of Senate said: “India has always stood by Madagascar in difficult times, both in supporting the Malagasy Government in its efforts to cope with the severe weather, and during the severe drought that has led to food insecurity for the population in the southern regions. "

"India today is a source of inspiration and a leader in development. Indeed, through the Security and Growth for All Policy (SAGAR), which aims to ensure peace and stimulate development for all, India has become a strategic partner in the Indian Ocean region ", noted the Senate President.

The celebrations also saw performances from  yoga and Hindi languages students and cultural performances by members of ITEC and ICCR alumni in Madagascar.

Congratulating India on the occasion, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina sent a congratulatory tweet saying: “My warm greetings to you PM @narendramodi 
and the people of India on the occasion of 75th anniversary of India’s Independence. 
My gratitude for standing with Madagascar during the time of need.”

PM Narendra Modi thanked the Hon’ble President of Madagascar on Twitter and responded: “Thank you President Andry Rajoelina for wishing us on our Independence Day. As a trusted developmental partner, India will always work with Madagascar for the welfare of our people. @SE_Rajoelina #IndiaAt75"

Foreign Minister of Madagascar also congratulated people of India and tweeted: “MEA @drsjaishankar. Madagascar is grateful to India's friendship and initiatives to strengthen bilateral relations.
My warm greetings to you and the people of India on this special day 75th anniversary of India’s Independence." 
EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar responded by tweeting —“Thank you for your greetings FM @RichardJRand. Our SAGAR vision for a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean Region will guide the  #IndiaMadagascar bilateral relationship.”