SPEECH BY HON'BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE RECEPTION TO MEET THE INDIA COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS OF INDIA

Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 6th September, 2009

My dear fellow citizens and esteemed guests,

It gives me great pleasure to be with you in beautiful Tajikistan. Though I have spent only a few hours in this country, I am impressed with its natural beauty, its landscape, and its people. Above all, I am deeply touched by the traditional Tajik welcome that was accorded to me and my delegation. I am happy that my first engagement begins with members of the Indian community and friends of India.

India has much in common with Tajikistan. We share ethnic, cultural and linguistic linkages. Our ancient history as well as our geography binds us together. My Government and the Government of Tajikistan have worked closely over the years to build a strong relationship that is cordial, friendly, trusting and contemporary. We value the friendship of Tajikistan as an important member of our extended neighbourhood. India is deeply interested in Tajikistan reaching its full potential as a prosperous, peaceful and progressive nation. Similarly, in Tajikistan we find great love and admiration for India.

I am pleased to know that more than 300 Indian students are pursuing medical education at Tajik State Medical University in Dushanbe. There can be no better gift for a young woman or man than quality education that makes them globally competitive. They are the future of our nation, and we owe much gratitude to Tajikistan and its people for accepting them so willingly and with so much love. I wish educational and professional success for all the Indian students studying in Tajikistan.

I have brought along with me three sets of medical books for the Tajik State Medical University which will be sent to them by our Embassy. It is a small token of our appreciation for all that the Medical University, its Rector and Faculty are doing for students. I also congratulate all of them as their University celebrates 70 years of a glorious record, this year.

Every country I visit, I learn of the achievements and contributions of the Indian Diaspora. Tajikistan is no exception. Though the Diaspora is small, I am aware that they are engaged in a variety of activities in many areas. I am told that Indians have a good representation in the pharmaceutical sector, as also in the various international organizations. We are happy that you are contributing to the socio - economic development of Tajikistan. We urge you to excel in what ever you do, as your motherland is judged here by your actions. At the same time, be assured that Government of India gives priority to the welfare of the Indian Diaspora around the world, and is focused on issues confronting Indians and Persons of Indian origin living beyond our borders.

To our Tajik friends present here, I wish to say that we are aware of your contribution to bringing our two nations together, and increasing mutual understanding and friendship between our people. Though you are drawn from diverse backgrounds - from the media, academics and research, linguistics and oriental studies, art and literature - you all share the love for India. You have studied our common and shared history, our languages and cultural legacy. You are aware that India's interactions with your region are spread over millennia. There is hardly any Tajik intellectual, poet and writer in history who did not travel to or write about our country. This interaction has enriched both of us simultaneously. I also recognize the contribution of each one of you present here to strengthening the bonds between our two nations.

I also wish to address the Tajik youth who have studied and trained in India. We hope you have come back with professional skills and knowledge that equips you to face the challenges of your professional life. More importantly, we hope you have also come back with an understanding of the Indian society and culture. Values such as democracy, harmony and peaceful co-existence and the ability to assimilate change are the very essence of our civilisation. These are values relevant for all times and ages.

I particularly wish to recognize the hundreds of Tajik children who are enrolled for Hindi, dance and music classes at the Indian Cultural Centre. Their devotion to Indian culture is a testimony to the underlying commonalities between us. It is these young citizens who are constantly refreshing and strengthening our age old bonds, of friendship.

I wish to thank all of you for being present here today. I also urge you all to continue to contribute to the promotion of closer ties between our two nations. I also wish all of you great success in your endeavours.

Dhanyavad.

Jai Hind.