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Madagascar’s Foreign Minister inaugurates Center for Indian Diaspora in Antananarivo

Posted on: July 29, 2022 | Back | Print

Madagascar’s Foreign Minister inaugurates Center for Indian Diaspora in Antananarivo 

A Center for Indian Diaspora in Madagascar titled ‘Indian Dhow’ was inaugurated on 29 July 2022 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar H. E. Richard Randriamandrato, in presence of the Ambassador of India Abhay Kumar and the Chairman of Vision Madagascar Zouzar Bouka in Antananarivo.
The event was attended by the members of Indian diaspora in Madagascar, Ambassadors and members of diplomatic corps and the high officials of the Malagasy Government including Sophie Ratsiraka, Minister of Handicrafts. 
Speaking on the occasion Zouzar Bouka said: “I had this idea long time ago to build something, in Madagascar, that is linked to India, my country of origin. I would like to thank in particular Ambassador Abhay Kumar who has encouraged me to go for it and not wait any long. In the center we have a permanent exhibition on the history of Indian families who immigrated from India to Madagascar and who play a key role in its society and economy of Madagascar. The center will also be a place of remembrance and intercultural opportunities. Programmes are planned to be organized by the center including sessions on Yoga and Ayurveda.” 
Ambassador Abhay Kumar addressing the gathering said: “On 27 March 2021, a special exhibition on the history of Indian diaspora in Madagascar was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of Madagascar H.E. Christian Ntsay at the Indian Embassy. An exhibition that came to life with contributions from the members of the Indian community has found a permanent place today.” 

He further added- “Indian people in Madagascar not only play a crucial role economically, but also enrich Madagascar’s cultural and social diversity. Today I feel proud to see a Centre for Indian Diaspora take shape. I believe this centre will flourish as a centre for promotion of a greater understanding of Indian diaspora in Madagascar, their role and contributions to the Malagasy society and economy.” 
On the occasion Foreign Minister of Madagascar Richard Randriamandrato said: “As the center is not only for the Indian Diaspora but for the general public as well, we hope that everyone would benefit from it. Developing social and economic relations with India is very important and we hope that we will continue to work together. Indian Diaspora members contribute to the development of the bilateral relations between Madagascar and India.”  
The Centre has a permanent exhibition on the history of various Indian families who came to Madagascar and have made a niche for themselves in the social, commercial and cultural fabric of Madagascar and a video presentation on the various articles and artifacts associated with the Indian diaspora in Madagascar. It will host various events from time to time and conduct tours to promote an understanding about the history, role, achievements and contributions of Indian diaspora in Madagascar.

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