Embassy of India

Celebrations of International Day of Non-Violence (Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi)

 International Day of Non-Violence (Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi) was celebrated at the Embassy of India, Antananarivo on 02nd October, 2023.

2. The event was graced by the Questor of National Assembly and Chairperson of India-Madagascar Friendship Group, H.E. Mrs. Rakotomanga Lantoarivola Sedera, Honorable Members of National Assembly (Mr. Randrianasolo Augustin, Mr. Randrimisa Nicolas, Mr. Tsaradia Marco,  Mr. Razafindriatsara Jonhson Anatol), Secretary General of the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Mrs. Razaivaovololoniaina Helinoro Diamondra, the Ambassadors of Comoros, South Africa and the Holy See, Charge d’ Affaires of Mauritius and Representative of the Embassy of Indonesia.  

3.  In his remarks, Ambassador Bandaru Wilsonbabu spoke about Mahatma Gandhi's  unique philosophy of Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satyagraha (Adherence to Truth) and Sarvodaya (Welfare of All) and said that India stands ready to work closely with the Government and the people of Madagascar to further Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals for peace, progress and prosperity. 

4. Questor of National Assembly & Chairperson of India-Madagascar Friendship Group, H.E. Mrs. Rakotomanga Lantoarivola expressed her admiration for the values conveyed by Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts.  She said that implementation of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals will pave the way for universal brotherhood and a more peaceful world.

5. Quotes of Gandhiji and songs on his life were presented by the Malagasy students of Hindi language. A short film on the life of Mahatma Gandhi was screened on the occasion. A special Millets exhibition was also showcased in the event as part of the celebrations of International Year of Millets-2023.

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Embassy of India

Antananarivo

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Celebration of the ITEC Day 2023 in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Press Release 

The 59th Anniversary of ITEC Day was celebrated in Antananarivo on 17 October 2023.

2. The event was graced by Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr.RATSIMANDAO Tahirimiakadaza,  Questor and Chairperson of India-Madagascar Friendship Group in the National Assembly of Madagascar, H.E. Mrs. RAKOTOMANGA Lantoarivola, Members of National Assembly- MP RAZAFINDRIATSARA Johnson Anatol, MP RANDRIANASOLO Augustin, MP RANDRIMISA Nicolas and MP RASOAVA Rakotoarisoa Rija Jean, Director General of Ministry of Youth and Sports, Director General of Ministry of Commerce, Secretary General of ITEC Alumni Association and around 160 members of ITEC/ICCR Alumni.

3. In his remarks, Ambassador Bandaru Wilsonbabu mentioned about various aspects of ITEC programme, and  noted that about 900 officials and more than 100 students from Madagascar underwent capacity building programmes in India over the past 15 years under ITEC/ ICCR scholarships. He also invited the professionals and students of Madagascar to benefit from various trainings available under ITEC Programme and ICCR scholarships. He acknowledged the efforts of ITEC Alumni Association of Madagascar towards stronger India- Madagascar partnership and reaffirmed Embassy's full support in their efforts.

4. Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr.RATSIMANDAO Tahirimiakadaza, expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Government of India for the ITEC trainings and ICCR scholarships  offered to Madagascar.  He added that capacity building and skills development were key elements of India’s cooperation with Madagascar.  He fondly recollected his experience as an ITEC alumni in India 15 years ago. 

5. Three ITEC alumni  shared their experiences and were grateful to the Government of India for the trainings which helped them to gain professional knowledge and also provided an opportunity to learn about India and its rich culture.  

6. The event saw enthusiastic participation of the ITEC alumni in Yoga, Bollywood dance and Indian and Malagasy Fashion Shows. A video message from Hon'ble EAM, Minister of State and Secretary (ER) on ITEC Programme was  screened at the event.  A special Millets exhibition was also showcased on the occasion, as part of the celebrations of International Year of Millets-2023.

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Press Release

Celebrations of “Raksha Bandhan” on 30 August 2023

The Embassy organized an event to celebrate “Raksha Bandhan” festival on 30 August 2023, which was graced by the Minister of Handicrafts and Trades of Madagascar H.E. Mrs. Sophie Ratsiraka, Quaestor and Chairperson of India- Madagascar Friendship Group in the National Assembly Mrs. Lanto Rakotomanga, President of the University of Madagascar Prof. Mamy Ravelomanana, Members of National Assembly, Secretary General of Ministry of Digital Development and other dignitaries of the Government of Madagascar.

 2.  In her speech, Minister of Handicrafts and Trades H.E. Mrs. Sophie Ratsiraka spoke about the friendship that binds India and Madagascar and said that “Raksha Bandhan” Festival is a mark of brotherhood between the two countries. She also called for further strengthening of India-Madagascar partnership in various fields. 

3. Ambassador Bandaru Wilsonbabu thanked the the Minister of Handicrafts and Trades of Madagascar and other dignitaries for joining the event and mentioned that Raksha Bandhan offers hope to the world, with its message of peace and togetherness. Ambassador referred to the recent soft landing of India’s 3rd lunar exploration Mission “Chandrayaan-3”, near Moon’s south pole and said that the scientific studies of the Moon’s south pole by India’s Pragyan (Wisdom) Rover will benefit all humanity, especially the countries of the Global South.

4. Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Indian festival to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters to defend and protect one another. With the passage of time, the festival has become gender neutral and it now symbolizes all human bondings regardless of the relationship. Embassy has also distributed exquisite eco-friendly bamboo Rakhis (wrist bands) made by tribal communities from Maharashtra along with a special message from the President of ICCR Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. The event also witnessed a special exhibition of millets, as part of the ongoing celebrations of International Year of Millets – 2023.

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Press Release

India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on the South Pole of Moon

India's third lunar exploration mission “Chandrayaan-3” had a soft landing on the Moon on 23 August 2023. Thus, India became the 4th country to land on the Moon and the first to land on Moon’s South Pole. Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was launched onboard Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LMV-3) on 14 July 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh). Chandrayaan-3 Mission includes a lander (Vikram) and a rover (Pragyan), which are equipped with advanced instruments to conduct scientific studies, analyze lunar soil, and gather crucial data for research.

On this historic occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that Chandrayaan-3 represents India’s approach of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and the success of Chandrayaan-3 belongs to entire humanity. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also spoke about India’s ambitious plans of ‘Aditya L-1’ (Sun Mission), Venus Mission and “Gaganyaan” (Human Spaceflight Mission).

In his congratulatory tweet to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Andry Rajoelina said “Chandrayaan-3 makes a historic landing on the Moon's south pole! I would like to congratulate India for such an incredible and emulating achievement. This success belongs to all of humanity, thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi for your inspiring words and leadership”. In his reply, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said “Grateful for your wonderful words, President Rajoelina! India’s strides in space will truly benefit humanity in the times to come”. 

In his congratulatory tweet to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of Comoros H.E. Mr. Azali Assoumani said “Congratulations to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, on the historic moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. India has become the first country to successfully make a soft landing on the Moon's South Pole. The exploration of this lunar region is a victory for humanity”.

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24 August 2023