SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT RECEPTION FOR THE INDIAN COMMUNITY

Cambodia, 13th September 2010

I am delighted to be in this beautiful country, with which India has had historical connections, going back to almost 2000 years. I arrived in Phnom Penh only a few hours ago and interacting with the Indian community is my first engagement in the Kingdom of Cambodia. I convey to all of you, my personal greetings and also greetings from the people of India. You play an important role in promoting relations between India and Cambodia.

It is interesting that many legends are prevalent in this country tracing their ancient linkages with India. Most of the historical and cultural monuments spread all over Cambodia speak of the close Indian association, which was made possible as a result of continuous interaction between navigators, merchants and intellectuals of the two countries, over a period of two thousand years. One has heard so much about the grandeur of the world famous Angkor Wat and many astonishing architectural marvels such as Ta Prohm, Bayon and Banteay Srey. I and my delegation would be visiting Siem Reap where all these magnificent cultural monuments, which are glorious testimony to our common cultural heritage, are located. I am informed that there are many commonalities in the day-to-day life of the people of Cambodia with Indians, such as language, customs and rituals. This must be a product of our ancestors' willingness to learn from each other and is an indication of the everlasting bonds of friendship.

I am happy to say that the Governments of the two countries strived to regain old historical bonds. In the 1950s, India was associated with the International Control Commission on Indo-China and our role as Co-Chairman was well appreciated. There were numerous high level exchanges between our two countries. We are all aware of the close friendly ties that existed between Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, which paved the way for not only excellent bilateral ties, but also offered opportunities to the two leaders to exchange views on the role of newly liberated countries in the development of a peaceful world.

Everyone is aware of India's unwavering support to Cambodia not only in good times but also during the difficult period of its history. After the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, India was among the first countries to recognize President Heng Samrin's government and re-open its diplomatic mission in 1981. Since then, the Governments of India and Cambodia have worked together to expand and deepen our bilateral ties, through high level bilateral exchanges, as well as through interactions at regional and international fora.

While human resource development and capacity building have been the primary focus of our bilateral relations, India is happy to cooperate with Cambodia in infrastructural projects, as well as in projects related to conservation and preservation of historical monuments. Over the years our two countries have signed numerous agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation, and have also established mechanisms to exchange views and to review the status of ongoing projects.

We appreciate the role played by the Royal Government of Cambodia in India's engagement with this region. It is worth mentioning that India attained Summit level partnership with ASEAN under Cambodia's Chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2002, and a forthcoming Commemorative Summit in India to mark India's 20-year association with ASEAN too will be organized, during Cambodia's Chairmanship in 2012. India is satisfied with its friendly and cooperative ties with Cambodia and would continue to work for strengthening of these ties.

Overseas Indians comprising People of Indian Origin and Non Resident Indians today are amongst the best educated and successful communities in the world. India has the second largest Diaspora, estimated at over 25 million, present in every major region of the world. We are proud of you, and aware of the important role the diaspora plays as a 'bridge' to access knowledge, expertise, resources and markets for the development of the country of their origin. The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is celebrated since 2003, every year on 9th January to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community in the development of India. Individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion, since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi - the Father of our Nation, returned to India from South Africa to lead India's freedom struggle. His philosophy and his firm adherence to the principles of non-violence and truth are universally admired and emulated across the world. There is a bust of Gandhiji in Phnom Penh and I shall be visiting the site to pay homage to him.

You must carry forward the legacy of the values of our civilisation, upheld so magnificently by Gandhiji. The onus is now on all of you to ensure that a correct image of India is portrayed among your colleagues, neighbours and others with whom you interact. You must also carry forward the efforts of our ancestors in establishing extremely friendly ties thousands of years ago with Cambodia. Always remember that your deeds in this country not only reflect your individual personality but in some way make Cambodians aware of the capabilities of India and also the Indian way of life.

I am told that the Indian community in Cambodia though small is vibrant, active and is supportive of those who need assistance. Such compassion for others is a good trait and I encourage everyone to be humane. I have been informed that the Indian Association in Cambodia celebrates important Indian festivals, and has recently launched a website which is quite informative. This is a good development and I am sure you will continue with such efforts. I take this opportunity to wish you progress and success.

JAI HIND!