[Vol. 11 – July – Sept, 2023]

NEWS FROM MALAWI

Hindi Diwas 2023

On 16 September 2023, High Commission of India celebrated Hindi Diwas 2023 at the Chancery premises. The event was organized to promote Hindi and to create interest in usage of Hindi language in day to day interactions. Members of Indian diaspora, friends of India and families of the High Commission officials took part in the event. On the occasion, competitions such as Poetry Recitation, Essay writing, Hindi Speech etc. for both children and adults in Hindi Speaking and non-Hindi speaking categories, were organized. In his remarks, High Commissioner Shri S. Gopalakrishnan highlighted the history of Hindi language and need for promoting Hindi around the world, including in Malawi.

ITEC DAY

On September 15, 2023, High Commission of India celebrated 59th Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Day (ITEC Day 2023) Woodlands Hotel, Lilongwe. The celebration was graced by Honourable Minister of Local Government, Culture and Unity, Mr. Richard Chimwendo Banda, M.P., and Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mr. Sosten Gwengwe, M.P. The celebration was attended by about 150 ITEC alumni (both Civilian and Defence) and Senior Government officials of the Government of Malawi. Including Mr. Blessings Chilabade, Secretary for Human Resource Management and Development, Mayor for Lilongwe City, Richard Banda. In his remarks, the High Commissioner mentioned that ITEC is an important cooperation programme of the Government of India for delivering technical assistance, technology transfer and capacity building for our developing country partners. Through this programme, India shares its development experience and expertise in various fields with over 160 countries around the world including Malawi. He further mentioned that India’s development co-operation with our partners flows from our philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the ‘World is one Family’. He also stated that Malawi is one of the partners of India under the ITEC cooperation and the ITEC scholarship program has helped to further strengthen the existing cordial and friendly bilateral relations between Malawi and India. In his remarks, the Honourable Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda thanked India for its continued support to Malawi including through capacity building program under ITEC. The Minster said that ITEC program has been instrumental in enhancing skills among public and private sector officers thereby contributing to the development of the country. At the event, some of the ITEC alumni who shared their experiences in India during their training in India highlighted the relevance of the training in their career. ITEC, programme which started in 1964 and celebrated on 15th September every year, is India’s most successful partnership cooperation programme, provides technical assistance, training/capacity building opportunities to partner countries in a range of fields including IT, banking, administration, audit, scientific to both civil and defence personnel. India offers 300 short-term, medium-term and long-term courses every year in a wide and diverse range of skills and disciplines through over 50 empanelled institutions. Every year more than 15,000 training slots are offered under ITEC programme in various fields. India offers 150 slots of training courses to Malawi every year. Since 2007, over 900 Malawian nationals have availed training in India under the ITEC programme, among them, 43 Malawi Defence Force (MDF) personnels.

E-VBAB Graduation Ceremony for 45 Malawian students

The High Commission organized Graduation Ceremony for 45 Malawian students who completed their Graduation / Post-Graduation / Diploma in various subjects under e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogaya Bharati (e-VBAB) on 15 September 2023 in Lilongwe. Among the 45 students, 37 belong to Amity University, 3 belong to Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth University, 3 belong to JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research and 2 belong to Bharati Vidyapeeth University. Hon’ble Richard Chimwendo Banda, M.P., Minister for Local Government, Culture and Unity, Hon’ble Sosten Alfred Gwengwe, M.P., Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and Mr. Richard Banda, Mayor of Lilongwe City Council handed over the certificates to the students. Malawi is one of the largest beneficiaries under e-VBAB with over 1,900 enrolment in various courses. In his remarks, Minister Banda thanked India for supporting Malawi development agenda through providing human resource development particularly by offering scholarships to Malawian students under e-VBAB and further mentioned that Malawian students have greatly benefitted under this unique project. Through e-VBAB Project, the Government of India offer scholarships to students from 22 African countries, including Malawi to pursue Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma and Certificate programmes ONLINE from various premier Indian Universities / Institutes in various disciplines, including computer application, business administration and commerce, healthcare, tourism, humanities and arts etc. The enrolled students pursue their programmes / courses in ONLINE mode at their own comfort, anytime, anywhere using laptop / tablet / mobile with internet connection. Government of India has also set up a state of art interactive classroom and a computer lab with 30 computers with high speed internet at NACIT, Blantyre Campus.

High Commissioner’s meeting with Speaker and Homeland Minister

On August 9, 2023 The Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Catherine Gotani Hara, MP, held a meeting with His Excellency S. Gopalakrishnan, High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Malawi. On August 23, 2023, High Commissioner also met Dr. Kenneth Zikhale N'goma, M.P., Minister of Homeland Security and discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interests. They also discussed on enhancing cooperation between security agencies of two countries.

The 77th Independence Day of India

High Commission of India celebrated the 77th Independence on August 15, 2023. H.E. Shri S. Gopalakrishnan hoisted the national flag and read Honourable President’s address to the nation. Large number of members of Indian community and friends of India participated at the celebrations enthusiastically. Participants also took pictures at the selfie booth for #HarGharTiranga and #MeriMatiMeraDesh campaign.

Medicine donation

On behalf of the People and Government of India, High Commissioner Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan handed over essential and anti-cancer medicines weighing 165 tons to the Hon’ble Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda at a ceremony held today at the Ministry of Health, Lilongwe. This gifting is intended to support the national health services of Malawi. The medicines gifted include the second and last tranche of humanitarian assistance pledged by Government of India in the wake of devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy. The gifting of anti cancer medicine was one of the announcements made by Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan during his visit to Malawi last year. Health is one of the important areas of cooperation between India and Malawi. Government of India has been regularly supporting Malawi in the field of Health. In the recent years, India has provided essential medicines worth US$ 3 million, 10 ambulances and 50,000 doses of Covid vaccines to Malawi besides gifting medical equipments such as mammography, ultra-sound machines and Bhabhatron Cancer treating machines. India and Malawi enjoy longstanding, cordial and friendly relations and India is one of the close developmental partners of Malawi. The gifting of medicines was yet another manifestation of India’s unwavering commitment to support Malawi.

The Speaker of Parliament’s visit to India

Honourable Catherine Gotani Hara, Speaker of the Malawi Parliament led a 6 member Parliamentary delegation from Malawi to India from 30 July - 4 August, 2023.  While in India, Malawi Parliamentary delegation called on President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 31, 2023. Welcoming the delegation, the President said that India and Malawi share long-standing cordial and friendly relations, and there is immense scope for adding greater depth to our ties. The President noted that India has been one of the largest trade and private investment partners of Malawi, and is also a preferred destination of Malawian nationals for health and education. She was happy to note that India has a strong development partnership programme with Malawi and a number of projects have been implemented in Malawi in the areas such as infrastructure, health, water resources, capacity building and education. The Parliamentarians also called on Hon'ble Vice President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. During their discussion, the two leaders underlined the strength of India-Malawi relations, centred on their shared faith in democratic values and pluralism. They recognised the role of gender empowerment in strengthening democratic institutions. Speaker Hara and her delegation further held a bilateral Parliamentary dialogue with Honourable Shri. Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok sabha in the Parliament House. Speaker Hara also visited the Museum of Indian Prime Ministers and historical places in New Delhi.

The second Foreign Office Consultation

On August 4, 2023, Government of Malawi and the Government of India held the second Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Lilongwe. Shri Puneet R. Kundal, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa) led the Indian side while the Malawian counterpart was led by Mr. Bernard H. Sande, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the FOC, both delegations reviewed their wide ranging bilateral relationship, covering political exchanges, development partnership, defence cooperation, trade and economic matters, consular issues and cooperation in areas as Agriculture, Education, Health, Mines and Mineral, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy, Art and Culture, etc. Both side agreed to further diversify cooperation in various areas to further strengthen this relationship. Both side also discussed multilateral issues of mutual interest, including UN Security Council reforms, peace and security in Southern Africa, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and South Africa Development Community (SADC). The Indian side invited Malawi to join the Coalition for Disaster, Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The next FOC meeting will be held in New Delhi in 2024.

Malawi’s cancer centre to be completed by December 2023

The construction of radiotherapy and brachytherapy bunkers at the Malawi's cancer center in Lilongwe is expected to be completed by December 2023. The project involves the construction of four external beam radiotherapy bunkers, two brachytherapy bunkers and supporting services, and it is pegged at US$7.4 million. Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Malawi Subbiah Gopalakrishnan visited the construction site to check the progress of the works. The project is getting support from the Indian government and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Indian government is set to procure the cancer center's major radiotherapy equipment, Cobalt 60, which can treat 100 patients per day. The donation is tied to the completion of the bunkers. The other two radiotherapy bunkers will be provided by the Rays of Hope Initiative of the IAEA and both OFID. Upon completion, Malawi will no longer have to send cancer patients to India, Tanzania and Kenya for treatment. Malawi loses 2 billion Malawian Kwacha quarterly on international cancer referrals for treatment.

INDIAN COMMUNITY CORNER

The Hindu Community commemorate Garnesh Chaturthi

The Hindu Community from September 19, 2023 commemorated this year’s Garnesh Chaturthi, a festival honouring their elephant god Ganesh. They regard the idol as a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The festival was commemorated theough a chain of events including sports competitions, blood donation, prayers and cultural displays. Lilongwe city Mayor Richard Banda attended the event marking the end of five-day festival a Radha Chrisha Temple in Area 2, Lilongwe and so did the India High Commissioner to Malawi Gopalakrishnan. The Mayor praised the Hindu community for significantly contributing to the development of the country. The festival’s organising committee chairperson Sunil Godambe described the event as uplifting and strengthening.

India Community celebrate the 77th Independence Day of India

The 77th Independence Day of India was celebrated at the Indian Country Club, Lilongwe on 15 August 2023. High Commissioner of India H.E. S. Gopalakrishnan and Dr. Macloud Kadammanja, CEO, Lilongwe City Council graced the event. Members of Indian Community and Freinds of India participated in large numbers. Shri Pramod Kalaria, President, ICC and Vice Chairman Shri J.B. Kotecha delivered welcome remarks. A cultural program was also held at the event. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of various sports events held in run-up to the celebrations. The event was jointly organised by Indian Country Club, Indian Community Forum and India.

NEWS FROM INDIA

Aditya-L1 lifts off to study the sun

India’s first solar observatory mission — Aditya-L1 — was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on September 2. (PSLV), in its 59th flight with the Aditya-L1 on board, took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 11.50 a.m. About 63 minutes after take-off, the separation from the satellite took place with the PSLV launching the Aditya-L1 spacecraft in a highly eccentric orbit around Earth at 12.53 p.m. This was among the longest flights of ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle in recent times. Following the launch, Aditya-L1 will stay in orbit around Earth for 16 days, during which it will undergo five manoeuvres to gain the necessary velocity for its long journey towards the sun. Subsequently, Aditya-L1 will undergo a Trans-Lagrangian1 insertion manoeuvre, marking the beginning of its 110-day trajectory to the destination around the L1 Lagrange point. Upon arrival at the L1 point, another manoeuvre binds Aditya-L1 to an orbit around L1, a balanced gravitational location between the earth and the sun. Read more

PM Modi Pens Op-Ed on India’s G20 Presidency

As Delhi is all set to open its door to the world leaders to grace the G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 7, 2023 took to his blog to explain the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, human-centric globalisation and leaving none behind. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – these two words capture a deep philosophy. It means ‘the world is one family’. This is an all-embracing outlook that encourages us to progress as one universal family, transcending borders, languages, and ideologies. During India’s G20 Presidency, this has translated into a call for human-centric progress. As One Earth, we are coming together to nurture our planet. As One Family, we support each other in the pursuit of growth. And we move together towards a shared future – One Future – which is an undeniable truth in these interconnected times,” PM wrote in his blog. “The Voice of Global South Summit, which witnessed participation from 125 countries, was one of the foremost initiatives under our Presidency.  Read more

PM Modi, President Biden welcome progress in defence ties

The World Bank in its G20 document praised India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), citing the contribution of technologies such as Aadhaar and UPI in accelerating financial inclusion in the country. The World Bank has lauded India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for its transformative impact, extending beyond mere financial inclusion. The international financial institution commended India's remarkable achievements in just six years, accomplishments that would typically have taken nearly five decades to realize. It is no secret that India has successfully developed a robust digital public goods infrastructure, which holds the potential to positively influence lives worldwide. Key examples of these initiatives include UPI (Unified Payments Interface), Jan Dhan, Aadhar, ONDC, and CoWin. Read more

PM Modi, President Biden welcome progress in defence ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden on September 8, 2023 welcomed the completion of the notification process in the U.S. Congress on August 29 for a commercial agreement between General Electric Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India and the commencement of the negotiations. The leaders lauded the settlement of the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute between the two countries. Mr. Biden arrived in New Delhi in the evening to attend the G-20 Summit and went straight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence for a bilateral meeting. Read more

Chopra wins India's first gold at world championships in javelin

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships when he pipped Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem in the men's javelin on Aug 27, 20-23  with an 88.17 metre effort in the final. Chopra won Olympic gold in Tokyo but managed only a silver at the worlds in Eugene last year. The only other Indian to win a medal at the worlds was Anju Bobby George, who took bronze in the women's long jump in 2003 in Paris. Read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue in Johannesburg

Fostering partnerships for growth, development, and inclusive multilateralism in a multi-polar world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 24, 2023 participated in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue in Johannesburg. It saw the participation of leaders from BRICS and invited countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In his remarks, Mr Modi called for BRICS to be the voice of the Global South. He also underlined India’s close partnership with Africa and reaffirmed India's commitment to support Africa in its development journey under Agenda 2063. Mr Modi said, India has accorded high priority to its relations with Africa and it has opened 16 new embassies in the continent. He said, today, India is the 4th largest trade partner of Africa and the 5th largest investor in this region. Read more

PM addresses B20 Summit India 2023

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the B20 Summit India 2023 in New Delhi on August 27, 2023. B20 Summit India brings policymakers, business leaders and experts from across the world to deliberate and discuss the B20 India Communique. The B20 India Communique includes 54 recommendations and 172 policy actions for submission to G20. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized the celebratory moment that was ushered in by the successful Chandrayaan Mission landing on 23rd August. He said India’s festive season has advanced, and society as well as businesses are in a celebratory mood. Noting the role of ISRO in the successful Lunar mission, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the role of the industry in the mission as many components of Chandrayaan were provided by the private sector and MSMEs. “This is a success of both science and industry”, he said. He continued that along with India, the entire world is celebrating and this celebration is about running a responsible space programme. The Prime Minister said that the celebrations are about responsibility, acceleration, innovation, sustainability and equality, the theme of today’s B20. Read more

India becomes fourth country to land on the moon, first on the south pole, with Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft

India staked new claim as a national superpower in space on August 23, 2023 landing its Chandrayaan-3 mission safely on the moon’s unexplored south pole. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft launched last month and touched down on the lunar surface around 8:34 a.m. ET. The feat makes India the fourth country to land on the moon, and the first to land on one of the moon’s lunar poles. Previously, Russia (then the Soviet Union), the U.S. and China landed spacecraft successfully on the moon. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tuned in to the livestream of the landing from Johannesburg, where he was attending the 15th annual BRICS summit of emerging markets. Read more

India's economy continues to show strong growth in mid-2023

economic growth of 7.2% in the 2022-23 fiscal year, economic momentum has remained strong in the first half of 2023. The S&P Global India Services PMI Business Activity Index for July signalled continued rapid expansion in output and new orders, while July's Manufacturing PMI survey also showed strong expansionary conditions. India has also become an increasingly attractive location for multinationals across a wide range of industries, with foreign direct investment inflows (FDI) having reached a new record high of USD 85 billion in the 2021-22 fiscal year. FDI investment inflows into the manufacturing sector rose by 76% year-on-year (y/y) in 2021-22, reaching a level of over USD 21 billion. Recent economic indicators for India during the first half of 2023 continue to signal expansionary economic conditions driven by domestic demand. Read more

77th Indian Independence Day 2023

India celebrated the 77th Independence Day on August 15, 2023. The theme of the 2023 celebrations was 'Nation First, Always First' under the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebration. Read more

G20 India: Guinness World Record Created for Lambani Art 

India's G20 Presidency created a Guinness World Record for the ‘largest display of Lambani items’ with a total of 1755 items. The record was made under the ‘Culture Unites All’ campaign of the Culture Working Group, Ministry of Culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the effort to popularise Lambani culture, art and craft as well as encourage Nari Shakti participation in cultural initiatives. On July 10, during the 3rd G20 Culture Working Group Meeting at Hampi, a new record was made. In a tweet, the PM said, "Commendable effort, which will popularize Lambani culture, art and craft as well as encourage Nari Shakti participation in cultural initiatives." Read more

Ruthless India rout Sri Lanka to win Asia Cup as paceman Siraj shines

India lifted the Asia Cup after routing defending champions Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final with Mohammed Siraj claiming a career-best 6-21, including four wickets in one over, at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Electing to bat, Sri Lanka were bundled out for a paltry 50 in 15.2 overs with five batters getting ducks in their sorry-looking scorecard with Siraj the wrecker-in-chief. Siraj's fiery display of pace bowling was best illustrated in his second over when the right-arm quick dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva. Read more

India-France CEO Forum: PM Modi underscores roles of business leaders in deepening ties

On July 14, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the significant role played by business leaders in strengthening the partnership between India and France.  At the India-France CEO Forum, PM Modi said, “I congratulate you on Bastille Day. This year we are celebrating 25 years of our strategic partnership. Business leaders like you have contributed immensely to this partnership.” French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Narendra Modi arrived to attend India-France CEO Forum after they addressed a joint press conference at Elysee Palace on Friday. Read more

FISU World University Games 2023: India’s medal winners

Close to 230 Indian athletes, including Jyothi Yarraji, Manu Bhaker and Tejaswin Shankar, participated at the FISU World University Games 2023 in Chengdu, the People’s Republic of China. The multi-sport meet ran from July 28 to August 8. India won 26 medals - 11 gold, five silver and 10 bronze - at the FISU World University Games 2023 in Chengdu to finish seventh the World University Games 2023 medals table. This was India's best-ever performance at the Universiade, eclipsing the five medals – one gold, one silver and three bronze - Indian athletes won at Gwangju 2015. Read more