India’s Helping Hand Wins High Praise
Fiji is grateful for the support and assistance provided by India, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Yogesh Karan, said at the Republic Day of India celebration in Suva yesterday.
India is celebrating its 69th anniversary of its political status as a republic.
More than 300 guests are expected at the dinner.
Earlier yesterday, the Indian High Commission in Suva, hosted a build-up to the celebration attended by almost 200 guests.
The function entailed a flagraising ceremony and the singing of the Indian national anthem Jana Gana Mana, followed by an address by Mr Karan who commended the Indian High Commissioner, Vishvas Sapkal, for being “the most active high commissioner that I have known”.
“We gave him calls in times of need. He always went out of his way to make it happen for us,” Mr Karan said.
“He has been very supportive of Fiji and we look forward to continue with this relationship.” On cultural exchange, Mr Karan said India and Fiji have been brought closer in this sphere.
“The cultural relationship between the two countries has made the bond stronger.”
Mr Karan said India is no longer the country portrayed 20 years ago. “India is amazing and very advanced in technology, scientific research in all areas and their economic growth is a motivation to many other countries around the world,” Mr Karan said.
“The Prime Minister of Fiji, Voreqe Bainimarama and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, have exchanged visits in the past years and we look forward to many other visits from your ministers and PM.
Mr Karan said as Fijian High Commissioner to India, he said the India Day was always an excitement for him.
“The moment of January 26 was always an excitement for me because in India we used to wake up early in the morning, get prepared and watch the beautiful Republic Day parade which every diplomat in India loves to see how well it is organised,” Mr Karan said.