By Nii Martey M. Botchway, GNA
Accra, Aug. 15, GNA– Mr. Surinder Bhagat, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana, has interacted with members of the Indian business community and the diaspora as part of activities marking India’s 80th Independence Day in Accra.
The interaction, held at India House following the independence commemoration, provided an opportunity for the High Commissioner to engage Indian business owners and members of the diaspora who attended the celebration.
Delivering remarks based on the Independence Day address by India’s President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Mr. Bhagat said India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation required the collective contribution of citizens across all sectors, including businesses and investors.
He said the vision of “Viksit Bharat” – a developed India by 2047, which will mark the centenary of the country’s independence – required sustained efforts to create opportunities, generate employment, and strengthen the economy.
Mr. Bhagat said the President had acknowledged the contributions of both large and small investors to India’s economy, and the growing role of young entrepreneurs in creating jobs through self-employment and participation in the country’s expanding start-up ecosystem.
Citing the contribution of entrepreneurs, investors, and workers to national development, he said India was also expanding its engagement with other countries through trade and economic cooperation, while playing a leading role among countries of the Global South.
The High Commissioner further highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora and officials serving in Indian diplomatic missions in enhancing the country’s prestige and honour internationally.
He said Indians living and working abroad continued to make important contributions to their host countries while maintaining strong links with their homeland.
Mr. Bhagat also drew attention to the President’s emphasis on harmonising modern development with India’s rich cultural heritage, saying cultural identity remained an important component of the country’s development journey.
The event, which brought together members of the Indian diaspora and Ghanaian friends of India, featured the hoisting of the Indian national flag, the singing of the national anthem, and cultural performances showcasing India’s diverse heritage.
The celebration formed part of activities marking India’s independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947.
GNA
Nii Martey M. Botchway
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong