The Indian community in Lesotho has celebrated India’s Independence Day with fervour and pride, commemorating the country’s independence from British colonial rule.
The celebration, held in Maseru, featured the hoisting of the Indian tricolour and was attended by ministers, members of the diplomatic community, senior government officials, business leaders and other guests.
India celebrates its Independence Day annually on August 15, marking its independence from British rule in 1947.
Addressing the gathering, Honorary Consul for India in Lesotho, Biju Abraham Korah, recalled the sacrifices made by India’s freedom fighters in the struggle for independence.
“Let us also remember the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. Let us be inspired by their courage and determination, and remember those who laid down their lives for our country. On this Independence Day, let us pledge to uphold the values of democracy, equality and justice,” Korah said.
“Let us work for a more just and equitable society, where everybody has the opportunity to succeed.”
Korah described India as a country at the forefront of technology and scientific discoveries, while also highlighting its contributions to yoga, the arts, music and culture.
“India is also a land of opportunity, where we have made remarkable progress in various fields such as technology, science, engineering, health and agriculture,” he said.
Lesotho and India established diplomatic relations in 1971, five years after Lesotho gained independence from Britain.
In 2003, then Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili visited India, a visit that subsequently paved the way for the opening of Lesotho’s resident diplomatic mission in New Delhi in 2005.
The two countries recently held the sixth session of the Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation (JBCC) in New Delhi, with Lesotho’s delegation led by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Thabang Lekhela.
In July, Lesotho also witnessed the send-off of 40 students who travelled to India to pursue their studies under scholarships provided through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
In a speech delivered on the occasion, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Indians to pursue their dreams with determination and resolve.
“Any nation becomes great and achieves its goals when it moves forward on the pure strength of its dreams and resolutions,” Modi said.
“When dreams and resolutions are high, the absolute height of our capability also increases. Every single citizen has made every possible effort with complete dedication to take the country to new heights.”
Modi said India’s position in the global economy had changed significantly, noting that the country had previously been counted among the world’s “fragile five” economies but was now among the “fastest-growing” economies.
For his part, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Richard Ramoeletsi said the occasion was more than a celebration of India’s independence, describing it as a reflection of the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Lesotho.
Ramoeletsi commended the Indian Government for its “remarkable achievement and resilience”, as well as its continued contribution to global peace, development, cooperation and prosperity.
He described India as an important partner for developing countries, including Lesotho.
“And we greatly value the spirit of solidarity and South-South cooperation that characterises our relationship. As developing countries, Lesotho and India share common interests in promoting multilateralism, sustainable development, equitable global growth and the reform of international institutions that reflect the needs of developing countries,” Ramoeletsi said.
Vice-President of the Indian Association of Lesotho, Salman Mohamed, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Lesotho for the warmth and hospitality extended to the Indian community.
“I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Lesotho for their continued friendship, support and goodwill to us, the Indian community,” Mohamed said.
Summary
- The two countries recently held the sixth session of the Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation (JBCC) in New Delhi, with Lesotho’s delegation led by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Thabang Lekhela.
- For his part, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Richard Ramoeletsi said the occasion was more than a celebration of India’s independence, describing it as a reflection of the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Lesotho.
- Vice-President of the Indian Association of Lesotho, Salman Mohamed, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Lesotho for the warmth and hospitality extended to the Indian community.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He reports on accountability, human rights, exposes corruption and wrong doing by those in power. He reports have exposed corruption, abuse of power, fraud, misconduct and negligence. He subscribes to evidence-based reporting. He reports on governance, parliament, courts, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and agriculture. He gives a voice to the marginalised while also demanding accountability. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
