PM Modi accorded rousing welcome by India community in Malaysia, 800 artists perform, what key announcements PM made?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in an Indian community reception in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. On arrival at the event, he was given a rousing welcome by members of the Indian community.
A special cultural performance by 800 artistes on stage was the highlight of the welcome. The performance entered the Malaysian Book of Records as the largest performance of Indian traditional dances in the country. As a special gesture, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PM of Malaysia also joined PM Modi at the event.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi conveyed his appreciation for the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the progress and prosperity of Malaysia and for their role in strengthening India-Malaysia friendship. He reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of the Indian nationals in Malaysia and to deepening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Highlighting that Diwali has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, PM noted that this was a recognition of the shared culture and diversity of the two countries. Recalling the history of AZAD HIND FAUJ in Malaysia, he paid respects to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
As a tribute to the shared heritage between the two countries, Prime Minister announced setting up a dedicated Thiruvalluvar Center at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur.
(Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar, was a revered ancient Tamil poet-philosopher, best known for writing the Thirukkural, a masterpiece of 1,330 couplets on ethics, love, and governance. Believed to have lived between 300 BCE and the 1st century BCE, he is a significant figure in Tamil literature and is revered as a saint, whose teachings remain relevant today as a guide for living.)
Thiruvalluvar scholarships to facilitate academic exchanges
After the announcement by PM Modi in August 2024, a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies has been created at the same university. PM also announced Thiruvalluvar scholarships to facilitate academic exchanges between India and Malaysia. The Center and the scholarships will promote the timeless teachings of Thiruvalluvar, enhance scholarly exchanges and strengthen cultural connections, including Indian philosophy and Tamil language, between the two countries.
India to open its first Consulate in Malaysia
Prime Minister announced India’s decision to open its first Consulate in Malaysia. This initiative was received with applause and appreciation by the community. The opening of the Consulate will strengthen ongoing cooperation between India and Malaysia and expand India’s outreach to the Indian community in Malaysia.
Malaysia is home to over 2.9 million members of Indian diaspora, which is the third largest Indian diaspora in the world. Among the special initiatives taken recently for their welfare are the extension of OCI Card facility to the sixth generation of Indian-origin people living in Malaysia, and the replenishment of Indian Scholarships Trust Fund (ISTF) with 3 million Ringgit Malaysia for the benefit of Malaysian-Indian students.