Kuala Lumpur : The High Commission of India in Malaysia hosted the National Day Reception on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India on 29 January 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Celebrations assume special significance as this marked the first National Day Reception hosted by the High Commission in the ‘Amritkaal’- which is a period of twenty five years starting 2023 till the golden centenary of India’s independence (leading to 2047, when India will complete 100 years of Independence) setting a goal to make India a developed nation by 2047 or Viksit Bharat.
YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (pic), Minister of Finance II of Malaysia represented the Government of Malaysia as the Guest of Honour for the National Day Reception. Among the notable dignitaries included YB Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Senator Saraswathy Kandasami, Deputy Minister of National Unity, YB M. Kulasegaran, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform). Several Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Senators, Members of Parliament, former Ministers and Deputy Ministers, EXCO members, State Assemblymen and several other distinguished guests took part in the event.
The National day reception was attended by over 700 guests which also included prominent business and Indian community leaders in Malaysia, members and office bearers of several cultural associations, academics, think-tanks, media and government officials.
The event began with the toast proposed by YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Guest of Honour (followed by National Anthem of India) and toast by the High Commissioner H.E. B N Reddy (followed by the National Anthem of Malaysia).
High Commissioner of India addressed the gathering and highlighted that the 75th Republic Day of India marks momentous event in post-independent India and reflects upon the continuous abiding faith of over 1.4 billion people in the Indian Constitution, which continues to guide the country firmly on the path of nation-building. He added that India today is the fastest growing major economy, growing at 3 times the global average; in about 9 years, India has moved from 10th largest economy to 5th largest, and it is estimated to become the 3rd largest economy by 2027; on 24 January this year, India became the fourth largest stock market in the world with a market cap of US $ 4.33 trillion; in last 9 years, over 250 million people in India have come out of multidimensional poverty.
Quoting Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, High Commissioner said “India is moving forward in the role of a ‘Vishwa Mitra’ (partner of the world) in a fast-changing world. The World looks at India as a friend who can be trusted, a partner who believes in people- centric development, a voice that believes in global good”. He highlighted that India’s G20 Presidency last year refocused the G20 on taking greater responsibility for putting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s time-bound targets back on track, and the voice of the Global South on centre stage. India led the process for admission of African Union as a Permanent Member of the G20.
High Commissioner highlighted that with India’s decade long Act East Policy, and Indo Pacific policy, which are firmly rooted in ASEAN centrality, India will be a force for stability and prosperity in the region. This year – 2024 – is yet another promising year for deepening bilateral relations between India and Malaysia which are natural partners bound by values of democracy, rule of law, preference for rules-based international order, similar positions and world-view. He said that a stable Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, serves a good backdrop. The growth in the relations could be gauged from the fact that twelve Ministerial/Deputy Ministerial two-way visits happened since December 2022, including a Joint Commission Meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers held in New Delhi in November last year.
The formal part of the program was followed by a captivating Cultural Show titled, ‘Mesmerizing Bharat’ by Bharat Club, Malaysia showcasing the vibrant and rich culture of India. Bharat Club is an organization of Indian expatriates living in Malaysia and the Club is commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. This was followed by a medley of songs on Saxophone by reputed performer Mr. Wan Mohd Andre from Penang.
At the occasion of the National Day Reception, the High Commission of India brought out a Special Photo Exhibition, titled “NEW INDIA- Driving India into Amritkaal”, depicting the advancements and achievements of New India in 2023 i.e. the first year of India’s Amritkaal. The photo exhibition recapped the major milestones, events and success stories for India in 2023.
Special stalls showcasing India’s defence prowess and defence manufacturing capabilities, and selected artifacts chosen under ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) were also on display during the National Day Reception. High Commission of India also set up a AYUSH corner in collaboration with the Malaysian Association for Indian Traditional
Medicine systems (PEPTIM) showcasing the various kinds of Indian traditional medicine systems and the close collaboration between India and Malaysia in this field. Special stall showcasing the strong exchanges in the field of higher education between India and Malaysia were put up highlighting various aspect of the collaboration, including twining arrangements, scholarships offered by Government of India for Malaysian students to study in Indian premier institutes and the scholarships offered to the children of Indian diaspora.
