The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed
an Indian community reception in Addis Ababa yesterday (October 4, 2017) hosted
by the Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, Shri Anurag Srivastava.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said Indian community
in Ethiopia has been at the centre of India-Ethiopia relations. As teachers and
educators they have given a helping hand to nation building in their host
country. As entrepreneurs, they have created economic opportunities and
imparted skills to local people. As tech-professionals and workers they have
added value to Ethiopian Industry. With hard work and dedication, the Indian
community has built respect for itself within Ethiopian society. And yet it has
retained and carried forward Indian values, family traditions and work ethic
while adapting very well to this adopted home.
The President said that Ethiopia, like India, is a land
of diversity, of multiple languages and varied cuisines; of music, dance and
drama. The Indian community here must take advantage of the local eclectic
culture as well as showcase and share our own cultural diversity.
The President said both India and Ethiopia have large
young Populations. The youth are the future, and it is from them that new ideas
would come. He advised the Indian community to make special efforts to connect
with Ethiopia’s youth. He stated that this would help them germinate their
ideas to provide solutions for a better world, be it tacking climate change or
skilling people.
The President said the Government of India seeks
sustained and proactive engagement with our overseas community. The purpose of
this engagement is to provide an opportunity to familiarise the community with
transformational changes taking place in India. The dialogue with the diaspora
is also aimed at shaping possibilities and platforms through which it can
participate in India’s growth and development.
The President said the Government of India cares for the
overseas Indian community and keeps its promise to stand by them. He referred
to efforts made to evacuate Indian citizens from Yemen (as part of Operation
Rahat in 2015) and Libya, or more recently help individuals and families during
the floods in parts of the United States.
The event in Addis Ababa was attended by some 500 members
of Ethiopia’s Indian community. The Indian community is spread all over the
country and is 5,000 strong.
President Kovind’s visit to Ethiopia continues today.
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AKT/AK/VK
Click
here for President’s speech at the Indian community reception.
