FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol 33 No: 34 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday August 23, 2024 India is attaining ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, emerging as global manufacturing hub: PM Modi New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): India is attaining ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and is emerging as a global manufacturing hub due to the steps taken by the central government in the last few years, said PM Narendra Modi while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024. The Prime Minister pointed out that there was a time when the majority of the defence budget was used to procure weapons/equipment from abroad, but his government focused on indigenous manufacturing to make the nation self-reliant. He lauded the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces for taking a series of decisions, including the notification of several positive indigenisation lists, wherein there are over 5,600 items that are being/ will be procured only from the Indian industry after designated timelines. He expressed satisfaction that India, which was once completely dependent on the import of defence equipment, is today exporting to numerous countries. It may be recalled that due to the persistent efforts of the government, the annual defence production hit a record high of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in Financial Year (FY) 2023-24. In the same fiscal, defence exports touched a record high of Rs 21,083 crore, an increase of 32.5 per cent over FY 2022-23. In addition, there has been a massive jump in defence exports in the first quarter of FY 202425. Rs 6,915 crore worth of defence equipment has been exported in the first quarter, an increase of 78 per cent from the first quarter of FY 2023-24, when the figure was Rs 3,885 crore. Referring to the 2016 surgical strike and 2019 air strike, the Prime Minister, in his Independence Day address said that there was a time when the country was a victim of terror attacks; but today it is bold and strong, with the Armed Forces giving a befitting reply to anyone who tries to harm the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country. He asserted that the nation is proud of its brave soldiers who selflessly serve the motherland. On the growing role of women in all sectors, the Prime Minister emphasised that women are not just participating in the progress of the nation, but are playing a leadership role. “Be it the Army, Navy, Air Force or space sector, we are witnessing the evergrowing Nari Shakti of our country,” he said. (ANI) ENDS SEPTEMBER 3 SOMETIMES DRIVER’S SIDE BEATS POOLSIDE LEXUS.COM Soak up Summer from behind the wheel at the Golden Opportunity Sales Event. Don’t let the season slip away without finding your dream Lexus. But hurry—the offers on select models won’t last. At 2+2, India, Japan ministers laud progress made for transfer of Unified Complex Radio Antenna, related technologies ©2024 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. New Delhi [India], August 20 (ANI): India and Japan on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and strengthening the rulesbased international order founded on the principles of the UN Charter, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated the progress made for the transfer of Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) and related technologies and early signing of related arrangements. During the 2+2 meeting held here, the two sides highlighted their common strategic vision towards a free and open Indo-Pacific, that is inclusive, peaceful, prosperous and resilient, as part of the rules-based international order. The Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kamikawa Yoko and Minister of Defence of Japan, Kihara Minoru agreed on the principles of the UN Charter, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, 2+2 DIALOGUE SEE PAGE 6
Friday INDIA THIS WEEK It’s never been easier to Get the Facts About Senior Living at Ashby Ponds, Greenspring, and Riderwood Get your FREE brochure to discover all the amazing benefits of our premier senior living communities. It’s packed with information, such as: Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. • Services to enhance your health and well-being • Resort-style amenities, including delicious dining ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn VA GREENSPRING, Springfield VA RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring MD • Stylish, modern apartment homes to fit your lifestyle • Financial peace of mind and unbeatable value 885548 2 MHA writes to West Bengal Chief Secy for CISF deployment at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata New Delhi [India], August 21 (ANI): Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal on Wednesday on the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in response to the rising protests following the rape and murder incident of a postgraduate trainee doctor of the institution. The MHA’s letter, addressed to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, outlines the need for increased security measures to manage the situation effectively. The deployment aims to support local law enforcement in handling the surge in protests and ensuring a stable environment for doctors. The step was taken a day after the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked to hand over the security of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the CISF as it heard the suo motu case of the rape and murder of the trainee doctor there. This move comes as West Bengal faces a period of heightened agitation, with protesters voicing various grievances. The CISF‘s intervention is expected to bolster security efforts and help mitigate any potential threats to public peace. The decision to deploy CISF personnel comes amid growing unrest and demonstrations that have prompted concerns about maintaining public order and safety. The CISF personnel will be deployed at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, as well as, the hostel in Kolkata, said the sources privy to the development. The move comes amid junior doctors from various medical colleges and hospitals across West Bengal on Wednesday staged a rally to protest the rape-murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and demanded increased security in their workplaces. The doctors called for a swift probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has taken over the case from Kolkata Police as directed by the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday, August 13. (ANI)
FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2024 3
August 23, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday India, Malaysia elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership, sign agreements on education, labour, tourism New Delhi [India], August 20 (ANI): India and Malaysia elevated the ties between the two nations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed multiple agreements in the areas of education, labour repatriation and tourism, during the visit of Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. PM Ibrahim was on his first visit to India since assuming office and it came at a time when India and Malaysia have marked around 10 years of enhanced strategic partnership. “Both Prime Ministers recognized that the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between India and Malaysia established in 2015 has helped in advancing bilateral ties into a multidimensional one. Recognising that the relations between India and Malaysia have evolved and matured across a broad spectrum of areas and that this deepening of engagement has significantly widened and intensified the relations, the Prime Ministers determined that the timing is propitious for relations to be further consolidated into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the joint statement by the two countries stated. The two leaders noted with great satisfaction the deep-rooted ties of friendship and sociocultural linkages between India and Malaysia, and its peoples. PM Modi and PM Ibrahim held discussions on the entire range of bilateral cooperation including political, defence and security cooperation, economic and trade, digital technologies, start-ups, fintech, energy including renewables, healthcare, higher education, culture, tourism and people-topeople relations. The two leaders condemned terrorism and agreed to call upon states to reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both Prime Ministers underlined that no country should harbour terrorists and agreed to work together to bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice expeditiously, in accordance with domestic laws and international conventions, the joint statement read. “Both leaders witnessed the exchange of MoUs on cooperation in the fields of Recruitment, Employment and Repatriation of Workers; Ayurveda and other Traditional Systems of Medicines; Digital Technologies; Culture, Arts and Heritage; Tourism; Public Administration and Governance Reforms; Youth and Sports; and Financial Services between Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA) and International Financial Services Centres Authority, India (IFSCA),” it added. PM Modi and PM Ibrahim acknowledged the steady and strong cooperation in bilateral defence and security partnership as one of the core pillars of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Both sides agreed to further intensify defence SHETH VILLA OCCASION OASIS The perfect venue for meetings, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, parties, special celebrations, and more! A perfect get away that still feels like home. At Sheth Villa, you can host wide variety of events, have a relaxing staycation, and much more! AIRBNB LINK: airbnb.com/h/shethvilla Email: pritinina65@gmail.com ETH VIL LA SH Contact: (301)434-3029 Follow us on: Sheth Villa Holiday Home cooperation through regular exchanges and dialogues, exercises and capacitybuilding cooperation. Both Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with bilateral trade and acknowledged that trade is an important fulcrum of the two countries’ Enhanced Strategic Partnership. They also welcomed the fact that bilateral trade has reached a record high of USD 19.5 billion. Both sides agreed to support and expedite the review process of ASEANIndia Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more effective, user-friendly, simple, and trade-facilitative for businesses, aiming to achieve a substantial conclusion in 2025 and to strengthen supply chains between India and ASEAN countries. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to respecting freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. They also welcomed the signing of the MoU on Digital Technologies and encouraged the early convening of MalaysiaIndia Digital Council to guide engagement in the digital realm and accelerate collaboration in this area such as Digital Public Infrastructure, digital B2B partnership, digital capacity building, cyber security, emerging technologies such as 5G, quantum computing, cloud computing, Internet of Things among others, between the two countries. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the recent initiatives to promote greater tourism and peopleto-people exchanges between the two countries, particularly the relaxation of visa regimes by both countries. Reaffirming the importance of India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, Malaysia appreciated India’s full support for ASEAN centrality and Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. Malaysia also welcomed more engagements between ASEAN and India through ASEANled mechanisms towards further consolidating the existing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the joint statement read. Both Prime Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination at the UN, including at the UNSC, UNHRC, and other multilateral fora. The two leaders upheld that adherence to a rulesbased international system is imperative to ensuring peace and development. They pledged to work together to enhance multilateralism, reflective of contemporary realities so as to make international organisations, including the UN Security Council, more representative. The strengthening of Council membership with a focus on increasing representation from developing countries, including through the expansion of UNSC in both the permanent and nonpermanent categories will render it more effective in addressing current global challenges. India deeply appreciated Malaysia’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with visiting Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim at the Hyderabad House. The discussions between the two leaders were held to further deepen engagement across various domains of partnership between India and Malaysia. F o l l o w i n g the meeting, PM Modi announced that the ties between India and Malaysia will be elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Stating that India attaches priority to ASEAN, Prime Minister Modi said India will extend full support to Malaysia’s “successful ASEAN chairmanship” in 2025. He also announced that India’s UPI will be collaborating with Malaysian Paynet, and the linkage of the two will be worked upon. He also announced that 100 seats will be specially allocated for Malaysians under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. Ibrahim had arrived in the national capital today for a state visit, his first visit to India as the Malaysian premier. He was warmly received by Union Minister of State, V Somanna at the airport. He also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, laying a wreath at Delhi’s Rajghat following his meeting with PM Modi. Ibrahim also signed the visitor’s book at the Rajghat. (ANI)
FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2024 5
August 23, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK At 2+2, India, Japan ministers laud progress made for transfer of Unified Complex Radio Antenna, related technologies 2+2 DIALOGUE FROM PAGE 1 and peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to the threat or use of force, and emphasized the need for all countries to refrain from any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo. T h e y unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and called for bringing the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other attacks to justice. They called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups, and to take resolute actions to root out terrorists’ safe havens, eliminate terrorist financing channels, and halt cross-border movement of terrorists. The Ministers reiterated their strong support for ASEAN‘s unity and centrality and their full support for the “ASEAN Outlook on the IndoPacific (AOIP)” which upholds the principles such as openness, transparency, inclusivity, a rules-based framework and respect for international law. They had a frank and wide-ranging discussion on regional and global issues focusing on the shared Indo-Pacific region. The Ministers valued their cooperation in Quad and reaffirmed their commitment to advance it further based on the discussion at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo on July 29, the statement said. From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- July 26, 2024 My Inner Life By Robert William Service ‘Tis true my garments threadbare are, And sorry poor I seem; But inly I am richer far Than any poet’s dream. For I’ve a hidden life no one Can ever hope to see; A sacred sanctuary none May share with me. Aloof I stand from out the strife, Within my heart a song; By virtue of my inner life I to myself belong. Against man-ruling I rebel, Yet do not fear defeat, For to my secret citadel I may retreat. Oh you who have an inner life Beyond this dismal day With wars and evil rumours rife, Go blessedly your way. Your refuge hold inviolate; Unto yourself be true, And shield serene from sordid fate The Real You The Ministers noted with pleasure the progress made since their last meeting in September 2022 to promote cooperation on crosscutting security issues through the architecture of multi-layered dialogues between the two countries, such as Defence Policy Dialogue, Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), Vice Minister/Foreign Secretary level Dialogue, the Disarmament and NonProliferation Dialogue, the Cyber Dialogue, the India– Japan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, and other regional consultations on emerging and hotspot issues. They also looked forward to having dialogues in areas such as space, maritime affairs and Africa. Furthermore, in light of the strategic depth of the bilateral relations, they concurred on promoting indepth dialogues for further cooperation in the field of economic security and strategic trade. They also concurred to continue to work together on Security Council reform with a view to strengthening the UN, the statement said. Defence Minister INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Rajnath Singh termed India and Japan as ‘important guards’ of the IndoPacific region and said the partnership between the two nations is essential for peace and stability in the region. He also lauded the increase in the bilateral and defence cooperation between the two nations in recent years. “As two important stakeholders of IndoPacific, India and Japan are important guards of this region. So, this partnership is essential for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. 2023 proved to be a milestone year in our defence engagement...For the first time, joint exercises were held in all three services in one calendar year,” Singh said. India is keen to become a developed country by 2047 and partnership with Japan will play an important role in the completion of this vision in areas such as defence technology and industry, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. The Defence Minister said the bilateral ties between India and Japan have gained strength in all areas. “Bilateral relations between the two nations have increased in all areas. Defence has emerged as an important pillar in these relations. We have decided to make India a developed and transformed nation by 2047, on the completion of 100 years of India‘s independence,” he said. “A free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific is the top priority for both our countries. We explored the possibility of coordinating our respective security and development assistance where our interests converge,” he said. “India and Japan are resolute in our opposition to terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. We discussed strengthening our capacitybuilding cooperation, including on dealing with Remember: challenges emanating in the cyber space and through the misuse of digital technologies. We have underlined our interest in deepening informationsharing, and cooperation for protection of critical information infrastructure,” he said. Cooperation between India and Japan is today set against a larger context of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said. In his opening remarks at the third round of the India–Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial meeting held here, Jaishankar also spoke of the need of reliable partners in a more volatile and unpredictable world. EAM Jaishankar said that India will open a new Consulate in the city of Fukuoka. “I am happy to share with you that in order to nurture our growing people-to-people ties, we will open a new Consulate in the city of Fukuoka. I requested Foreign Minister Kamikawa for her support to make this Consulate operational at an early date,” he said. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa says, “At this 2+2 meeting, as the world stands at a historical juncture, the two sides reaffirmed our strong determination to cooperate towards regional peace and prosperity. Also, as we coordinate towards PM Modi’s visit to Japan as part of the annual mutual visit, we had a candid discussion on the specific way forward in security and defence cooperation. I wish to highlight 2 items as outcome of 2+2. First, we concurred to deepen our cooperation towards the realisation of a Free and Open IndoPacific (FOIP). At today’s meeting, we reaffirmed our commitment to object to unilateral attempts to change status-quo by force and to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law.” (ANI) “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2024 7
August 23, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India, Japan cooperation today set against larger context of free, rules-based Indo-Pacific: Jaishankar New Delhi [India], August 20 (ANI): Cooperation between India and Japan is today set against a larger context of a free, open and rules-based IndoPacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday while noting that the two countries have consciously sought to facilitate each other’s endeavours, comprehend each other’s objectives and work with other nations of shared comfort. In his opening remarks at the third round of the India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial meeting held here, Jaishankar also spoke of the need of reliable partners in a more volatile and unpredictable world. He said the bilateral relationship has assumed the form of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in the last decade. “The logic of this evolution is our expanding interests and growing activities. As we both step forward into a more volatile and unpredictable world, there is a need for reliable partners with whom there are substantial convergences.” “As a result, we have consciously sought to facilitate each other’s endeavours, comprehend each other’s objectives, strengthen each other’s positions and work with other nations of shared comfort. Our Strategic Partnership will continue to grow as we embrace mutuality and display sensitivity,” he added. Jaishankar said that the bilateral relationship also has to factor in “changes in our own capabilities and calculations”. “Our cooperation is today set against a larger context of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. For India, this is a natural extrapolation from our Act East policy. Indeed, the proportion of our activities and interests East of India has been steadily growing,” he said. “We mark the 10th anniversary of our Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The 2+2 must particularly focus on the steps ahead. It is two years since we last met in Tokyo. There have been many developments of consequence in the world. Our own relationship also has to factor in changes in our own capabilities and calculations,” he added. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met his Japanese counterpart Kamikawa Yoko and noted the progress charted by India-Japan bilateral ties. “Good to meet with FM @Kamikawa_Yoko of Japan. Continued our conversations from Tokyo last month. Noted the New Delhi [India], August 20 (ANI): India is keen to become a developed country by 2047 and partnership with Japan will play an important role in the completion of this vision in areas such as defence technology and industry, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday. He was speaking during the third round of India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial meeting held here. Rajnath Singh said the bilateral ties between India and Japan have gained strength in all areas. “Bilateral relations between the two nations have increased in all areas. Defence has emerged as an important pillar in these relations. We have decided to make India a developed and transformed nation by 2047, on the completion of 100 years of India’s independence,” he said. “ B u i l d i n g domestic defence capabilities is a very important part of this vision. In the field of defence technology and industry, partnership with Japan will play an important role in the completion of this vision of India,” he added. Defence Minister of Japan Minoru Kihara and the country’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa took part in the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial meeting. Apart from Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took part in the meeting. Jaishankar said that cooperation between India and Japan is today set against a larger context of a free, open and rulesbased Indo-Pacific. “For India, this is a natural extrapolation from our Act East policy. Indeed, the proportion of our activities and interests East of India has been steadily growing,” he said. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Japan’s Defence and Foreign Ministers. PM Modi “reaffirmed” the role of India-Japan partnership in progress being charted by our bilateral ties. Will build on these exchanges further during the India-Japan 2+2 meeting later today,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. Japan’s Defence and Foreign Ministers had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. PM Modi reaffirmed the role of India-Japan partnership in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the IndoPacific region. “Delighted to meet Japanese Foreign Minister @Kamikawa_Yoko and Defense Minister @kihara_ minoru ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting. Took stock of the progress made in IndiaJapan defence and security ties. Reaffirmed the role India-Japan partnership plays in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” PM Modi said in a post on X. The earlier two rounds of India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meetings were held in 2019 in New Delhi and in 2022 in Tokyo. (ANI) promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the IndoPacific region. “Delighted to meet Japanese Foreign Minister @Kamikawa_ Yoko and Defense Minister @kihara_minoru ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting. Took stock of the progress made in India-Japan defence and security ties. Reaffirmed the role IndiaJapan partnership plays in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the IndoPacific and beyond,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X. The earlier two rounds of India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meetings were held in 2019 in New Delhi and in 2022 in Tokyo. Defence has emerged as important pillar in India-Japan ties: Rajnath Singh at 2+2 ministerial meeting To Place Advertisements Call: 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 Email:indiathisweekads@gmail.com Indiathisweek.online
FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2024 9 Southern Asia Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SASDAC) Celebrates India’s 78th Independence with Amb. Sipriya Ranganthan as Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker Silver Spring, MD August 17: In a patriotic fervor with fellow compatriots, the members of the Southern Asia Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SASDAC) celebrated India’s 78th Independence day with Madam Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Embassy of India, Washington DC, as the Chief Guest and Montgomery County Police Chief Mar R. Yamanda as a Special Guest. Chief Guest Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan delivered the keynote Address. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the SASDAC’s Independence day celebration. Ambassador Ranganathan reminded fellow compatriots of the importance of the celebration saying, “When we hear them talking about our great nation and about the privilege of being a citizen of it, we find in their words echoes of what our great freedom fighters used to say. Then we realise that we are part of a chain that binds the dreams of those who participated in the freedom struggle and the aspirations of those who will witness the nation regaining its full glory in the years to come.” She reminded the audience that, India was under a foreign rule, seventy eight years ago, and that “patriotic and brave souls took immense risks and made supreme sacrifices. We salute their memory. Thanks to their unceasing labour, the soul of India awoke from centuries of torpor.” Speaking on the diverse cultural traditions of India , and the unversal celebrations she said, “Different traditions and values that had continued to live beneath the surface found new expressions in several generations of great leaders. Unifying the diversity of traditions and their expressions was Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and our lodestar. On the economic transformation of India Madam Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan was honored with President’s Gold Medallion from the United States President Dr Joseph R.Biden, Jr. India’s Independence Day celebrations at SASDA Church- Madam Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, DCM of Embassy of India was Guest Speaker on this occasion! And also Police Chief Montgomery County Marc Yamada was special guest on this occasion! during the last four years intend to make. social life. “The steady she said, “from 2021 of political But Amb. progress to 2024, India has been Ranganathan reminded the democracy testifies to the among the fastest growing audience that “we have progress made towards major economies, with an achieved the status of the the consolidation of social average growth rate of 8 fifth largest economy in democracy. The spirit of percent annually. This has the world. “It is a matter inclusion pervades every not only put more money of pride for all that India aspect of our social life. in the hands of people, it has become the fifth largest We move together as a has also drastically reduced economy in the world, cohesive nation with our the number of people living and we are also poised to diversity and plurality. below the poverty line. As become one of the top three With the nation all set to for those who continue to economies soon. This has celebrate Independence suffer from poverty, all been made possible only Day, let me once again efforts are being made not by tireless hard work of extend my greetings to only to provide a helping farmers and workers, by the you, particularly our brave hand to them, but also to farsightedness of planners jawans of Armed Forces bring them out of it. For and wealth-creators, and by who guard our freedom, example, the PM Garib the visionary leadership.” risking their lives. I convey Kalyan Anna Yojana, Quoting Dr. B. my greetings to the police launched in the initial phase Ambedkar, the Architect and security personnel who of Covid-19, continues to of the Constitution she keep vigil all across the provide free ration to about said, “We must remember country. I also extend my 80 crore people, which the words of Dr. B. R. greetings to the members also ensures that those who Ambedkar, the architect of the judiciary and the have recently come out of of our Constitution. He civil services, as well as poverty are not forced back had rightly said, and I the officials of our missions into it.” quote, “We must make our abroad. My greetings India, achieving political democracy a social also to our diaspora: You the status as the fifth largest democracy as well. Political are part of our family, economy in the world democracy cannot last making us proud with your could only be a dream with unless there lies at the base achievements. You are great representatives of India’s the enormous size of our of it social democracy.” population, soci-religiousC l o s i n g culture and heritage. Once cultural differences that her remarks Amb. again, I wish everyone a could throw a wrench in to Ranganathan, invoked the very Happy Independence any move for progress we spirit of inclusion in our Day!” Montgomery County Police Chief Marc R. Yamada Chief of Police, Montgomery County was a special guest speaker for India’s Independence day celebrations at the Southern Asian Seventhday Adventist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Police said that, we promote a stronger relationship between the community and our agency. Our Department is committed to going beyond responding to calls for service. We want to engage with Southern Asian community in various ways and create partnerships with all our residents to provide the best service, make our community safer, and reduce crime. Our goal is to build solid relationships with the residents, schools, faith communities, and business owners. We believe that when police officers and community members take the time to know each other, trust grows and is nurtured. Working together, we can strengthen our neighborhoods and create safe and inclusive communities by preventing and deterring crime. We are an agency dedicated to public safety and strongly committed to service within our communities. It is an honor to serve as the Chief of Police for Montgomery County. I appreciate your interest in the Montgomery County Department of Police.
Fleepit Digital © 2021