[Vol. 17 – Jan – Mar, 2025]

NEWS FROM MALAWI

Vishwa Hindi Diwas

High Commission of India celebrated "Vishwa Hindi Diwas" (World Hindi Day) at the Chancery Premises on 11 January 2025. High Commissioner Shri S. Gopalakrishnan congratulated the Indian diaspora on the occasion and appreciated their contribution in use of Hindi Language. He also urged the members of the Community to use Hindi in their day to day life as far as possible. Members of the Indian Community participated in Essay writing competition, Poetry recitation, Speech Competition and Poster Competition with great enthusiasm. Certificates and cash prizes were given to the winners of the competitions and consolation prizes were given to all other participants.

Annual media get together

High Commission of India hosted an annual media get-together on 17th January 2025. High Commissioner S. Gopalakrishnan briefed the media on the journey of 60 years of India-Malawi diplomatic relations.  The briefing was attended by senior editors/ journalists from  major TV and print media publishing houses in Malawi. 

76th Republic Day

High Commission of India celebrated 76th Republic Day of India at the India House. High Commissioner Shri S. Gopalakrishnan unfurled the national flag and read out the address of the Hon'ble President to the nation on Republic Day 2025. Large number of members of the Indian community & friends of India in Malawi participated in the celebrations. During the programme, High Commissioner also presented certificates to the top 20 winners (from Malawi) of the 5th Bharat ko Janiye Quiz organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in November-December 2024.

Reception to commemorate 76th Republic Day

Glimpses of the reception hosted by the High Commissioner S. Gopalakrishnan & Ms. M. Ramya Gopalakrishnan to commemorate 76th Republic Day of India on 26 January 2025 at India House. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon’ble Ms. Patricia Nangozo Kainga, MP graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. A large number of guests including Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior officials from the Government of Malawi, Heads of Missions/International Organisations, members of the Indian community and friends of India attended the event. In his remarks, High Commissioner highlighted the progress that India has made since its independence in various fields and underscored India’s developmental assistance to Malawi. He also urged Malawi to make use of the large market opportunities available for products of Malawi in India. Hon’ble  Minister, in her remarks thanked Government of India for its continued support and for being a true partner in the development of Malawi.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Death Anniversary

High Commission India paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, father of the Nation, on his death Anniversary on January 30, 2025 by observing one minute silence. Mission also organised a virtual narration of "The Enduring Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi: A Pathway to Global Peace" by Dr Shobhana Radhakrishna (Internationally acclaimed Speaker on Mahatma Gandhi)

Seminar on ‘India Diaspora in Malawi’

High Commission of India organised a seminar on ‘Indian Diaspora in Malawi: Remembering Roots and Routes 2.0’ on 22 February 2025. High Commissioner Shri S. Gopalakrishnan in his opening remarks highlighted the history and pattern of migration of Indians to various parts of the world including to Malawi. He also mentioned on the contribution of Indians in making modern Malawi. Further, he also informed on GoI’s various initiatives and programms for its diaspora.   The panelists at the Seminar included Mr. Iqbal Gelu, Mr. Vinay Ganatra, Mr. Altaf Jagot, Mr. Haroon Sacranie and Mr. Dhiren Thakrar.  They discussed various aspects of Indian diaspora in Malawi including historical & cultural, economic, political & democratic, inclusion and identity etc. The Panelists’ forefathers were one of the early settlers in Malawi. The Seminar was attended by members of the Indian community in large numbers. This was the first event on Diaspora organised by the High Commission of India this year. So far, the High Commission has organised four such events since 2021.

ITEC Day in Blantyre

High Commission of India organised ITEC Day on 28 February 2025 in Blantyre. The Mayor of Blantyre, His Worship Councillor Joseph Mankhwinja graced the event.  The ITEC alumni shared their experience in India and how their ITEC training has been useful in their respective fields. The ITEC alumni also recalled fond memories of their stay in India.  This is the first time that the ITEC Day was celebrated in Blantyre.

International Women’s Day 2025

High Commission of India celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 at the High Commission.

India-Malawi Engineering goods business meet

High Commission of India in association with Engineering Export Promotion  Council (EEPC) of India organized a Webinar on “India-Malawi Hybrid Business Meet on Engineering Goods Sector” on March 12, 2025 at Woodlands Hotel in Lilongwe. High Commissioner of India, H.E. Shri S. Gopalakrishnan gave inaugural address and Mr. Adhip Mitra, Executive Director & Secretary, EEPC gave the welcome remarks. Ms Charity Musonzo, Director of Trade (Goods), Ministry of Trade and Industry (Malawi) gave an overview of business opportunities for Indian companies in Engineering goods sector.  In her remarks, she acknowledged the cordial relationship between India and Malawi on trade.  H.E Shri. S. Gopalakrishnan, High Commissioner of India in Malawi encouraged companies from Malawi to import engineering goods from India. The objective of the meeting was to promote export of engineering goods from India to Malawi through interaction and engagement of distributors and suppliers. Over 80 companies from India and Malawi participated at the B2B meeting.

State-Day-cum-Holi

High Commission of India celebrated "States Day-cum-Holi, Festival of Colours" on 16 March 2025 at India House. Focus States of this year were Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,  Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh.  Stalls were set up to display culture, arts,  handicrafts, cuisines etc of the respective states. Games and dances on Bollywood songs by Indian and Malawian performers spiced up the event. Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity & Culture Ms. Joyce Chitsulo, MP graced the occasion. Over 200 persons including members of the diplomatic community, senior officials from Government of Malawi, members of Indian diaspora, Friends of India and High Commission officials and their families enthusiastically participated at the celebrations.

INDIA COMMUNITY

Shri. Savjani honoured with PBS Award 2025

Shri Krishna Savjani, an eminent lawyer was honoured with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians by the Government of India. Shri Savjani is the first person from Malawi to receive the prestigious award.

NEWS FROM INDIA

ISRO 100th mission highlights: GSLV-F15 launched successfully from Sriharikota

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on January 29, 2025 launched its historic 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The GSLV-F15 with the NVS-02 satellite lifted off from the spaceport’s second launch pad at 6.23 a.m. “The first launch of 2025 has been successfully accomplished. The satellite has been placed into the intended orbit,” said ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan who assumed charge of the space agency earlier in January. NVS-02, the second satellite in the NVS series, is configured with navigation payload in L1, L5 and S bands in addition to ranging payload in C-band like its predecessor-NVS-01.Read more

India celebrates 76th Republic Day with grand parade of unity and pride

On January 26, 2025, India celebrated with great optimism and pride the 76th Republic Day at the majestic Kartavya Path in the national capital. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations by unfurling the national flag and led the nation in commemorating the historic day. Accompanying her was Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the Chief Guest for this year’s festivities. As part of the tradition, both Presidents were escorted to Kartavya Path by the President’s Bodyguard, ‘Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak’, the seniormost regiment of the Indian Army. Reviving a tradition discontinued for 40 years, they arrived in the ‘Traditional Buggy,’ adding a regal charm to the celebrations. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister also welcomed Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife Sudesh Dhankhar at Kartavya Path. Read more

Pixxel Launches India’s First Private Satellite Constellation, Kickstarting Firefly Operations for Climate Action

Pixxel, an Indian space-tech company, launches India’s first private satellite constellation, Firefly, revolutionizing Earth observation and climate action with the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites. Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space-tech company, has made history by launching India’s first private satellite constellation, named Firefly, marking a major milestone in the country’s space exploration journey. The first three satellites of the constellation were successfully launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. This launch not only solidifies Pixxel’s position as a global leader in Earth Observation but also strengthens India’s presence in advanced space technology. Read more

India Takes The Lead in AI Education, finds Bosch Tech Compass Survey 2025

With over 50% of Indians actively self-educating in AI-related skills, the nation is a frontrunner in AI readiness. 57% Indians receive employer-provided AI training, surpassing Germany, and other European nations. Strong demand for government and educational institutions to spearhead AI education initiatives. 86% respondents emphasized the need for binding codes of conduct to guide ethical AI usage in corporations. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the demand for AI skills has never been greater. With 89% of respondents stressing on the importance of AI in everyday life in future, India is primed for this transformation.  Read more

India and EU to take concrete steps to make the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) a reality.

India and the European Union will take concrete steps to make the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) a reality, including through a review meeting with partners in the initiative. The decision was announced after talks between visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi On Friday (February 28, 2025). She is visiting India with the European Union College of Commissioners. Speaking at the Plenary Session with the President of the European Commission, Prime Minister Modi said the IMEC Corridor was a transformational initiative.  Read more  

India co-chairs the third edition of the AI Action Summit in Paris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the ‘AI Action Summit’ meeting in Paris, France on 11th February 2025, along with the French President Emmanual Macron. France and India are co-hosting the third International Summit, which is focused on artificial intelligence (AI), in Paris on February 10 and 11, 2025. At the end of the Summit, France announced that India will host the next International Summit on Artificial Intelligence. The Summit was attended by world leaders including American Vice-President JD Vance, Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing, Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau, and chief executive officers (CEO) of tech giants like Google, Microsoft, etc. Read more

India’s Chandrika Tandon Bags An Award At Grammy 2025

India-born Chandrika Krishnamoorthy Tandon has bagged the Grammy for her album Triveni under the category for the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album at the award ceremony held in Los Angeles. Trevor Noah hosted the 67th Grammy Awards which aired Sunday night on CBS and Paramount+. Tandon achieved her second Grammy nomination when she was named during Grammy 2025 nominations. She bagged her first Grammy nomination for the 2009 album Soul Call. collaborators Japanese cellist Eru Matsumotu and South African flautist Wouter Kellerman, Tandon expressed her gratitude on social media. Read more

India achieves historic 1 billion tonnes coal production

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed India’s historic achievement of 1 billion tonnes coal production, highlighting significant commitment to energy security, economic growth and self-reliance. He called it a “proud moment for India” and recognized the relentless dedication and hard work of those associated with the sector. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, has said that India has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 1 billion tonnes in coal production, marking a significant step towards meeting the country’s growing energy demands. In a post on X, the minister said that leveraging advanced technologies and efficient mining practices, India has not only boosted production but also prioritized sustainable and responsible mining. Read more

Modi conferred Mauritius’ highest honour: ‘Order of Star and Key of Indian Ocean’

On March 12, 2025, Mauritius conferred its highest civilian honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said it was an acknowledgment of the shared commitment to regional progress and security. The award was presented to Modi by Mauritian President Dharambeer Gokhool at the island country’s National Day celebrations in Port Louis in recognition of the prime minister’s efforts to strengthen the relationship between India and Mauritius. “It is a tribute to the centuries-old cultural and historical bonds of kinship between India and Mauritius,” Modi said in his acceptance speech. Read more

Tributes pour in for India's U19WC 2025 win

India dominated South Africa in the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025 final, defeating them by 9 wickets in Malaysia on 2 February, 2025. Niki Prasad's side dominated the tournament, going undefeated into the finals, and then showcased exceptional all-round performance to outclass South Africa. India's nine-wicket win was recognised by prominent voices in the game, including cricketing legends. India great Sachin Tendulkar, who won the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011, congratulated the U19 Women’s team on their incredible achievement.  Read more