India celebrates Independence Day in Mandalay

15 August 2019
India celebrates Independence Day in Mandalay
The Indian consulate celebrates India Independence Day in Mandalay. Photo: Indian Consulate Mandalay

Consulate General of India, Mandalay celebrated Independence Day of India in Mandalay today morning which was attended by Myo Myint Aung, Principal, Institute of Sport & Physical Education, Mandalay and about more than three hundred people of Indian origin community from Mandalay and many other towns of Upper Myanmar including Monywa, Myingyan, Meikhtila, Mogok, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kyukse, Sagaing, Kalay, Tamu, Taunggyi, Thazi, Chauk, Pyinmana, and Pyaw Bwe.

Indian nationals working in various IT and other Indian companies also attended. Consul General Mr. Nandan Singh Bhaisora hoisted the Indian flag and also read the speech of the President. This was followed by cultural programmes by children, presentation of awards and certificates.

In an interview with the media, the Consul General said that on this day 73 years ago 15th August, 1947 India got freedom from British rule and became an independent nation and we all Indians and friends of India celebrate it, also it reminds us how each and every individual can contribute in the nation building -  a new India – to bring peace, prosperity, happiness and economic development as well as communal harmony that is the objective.

As he noted, they also celebrate it to remember with gratitude the sacrifices of millions of freedom fighters which resulted in creation of an independent nation.

Further he also said that this year year’s Independence Day is special as they are also celebrating 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation; he had visited Myanmar during 1902, 1915 and 1922 and his interaction with the leaders here influenced his views on nationalism, and women’s rights.

His thoughts on truth, non-violence, peace, communal harmony, poverty alleviation, cleanliness, tolerance, simple living, environment are very relevant today and he stands an example for entire humanity across the globe; also his life is a message and it has relevance at all times particularly today when the world is facing the issues of inequality, injustice, social ills and terrorism.

He also mentioned about India-Myanmar relations today being at its best and particularly after opening the international land border between both the countries at Tamu Moreh, the work of the Consulate has increased heavily.

This has greatly contributed to  increased trade, cultural exchanges, exchange of football teams, golf, Rotary club,  trade delegations, medical tourism, pilgrimage tourism, people to people movement on both sides of the border and every week at least two delegations are visiting via land border to Mandalay being the closest  from India, and also likewise from Myanmar to India.

He also mentioned that there is a large Indian community in Upper Myanmar and today Consulate is also arranging various cultural programmes so that the young generation of the Indian diaspora remains connected with the great Indian culture. The youth need to be involved more and more so that they remain connected with their great Indian culture.