SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE MEETING WITH PROMINENT CITIZENS OF BALI

Bali, Indonesia, 29th November 2008

Distinguished friends from Bali,

India and Indonesia ties span two millennia of trade and cultural contacts. Bali was at the heart of this historical exchange. It gives me great pleasure to meet you today because you have always been and will always remain close to us. There is deep understanding and empathy between us.

India and Indonesia have both known the suffering and the pain caused by terrorism as have many other parts of the world. The recent incidents in India are most reprehensible and there are, no words strong enough, to condemn those who have targeted innocent people. I express my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and those who are injured in this horrific incident. India will determinedly take all measures to fight this menace. International community, including the Government of Indonesia, has expressed solidarity with India.

During my meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, I will be discussing with him the issue of terrorism which requires all nations to work jointly and relentlessly to fight this global threat. This is necessary if we are to have peace in the world, if we want the progress and prosperity of our people and, indeed, if we are to preserve our heritage.

We are aware of the rich cultural heritage of Bali. Your arts and crafts, your performing arts and your social and cultural traditions are alive and well preserved. The Balinese are an outstandingly artistic and talented people. They give a unique character and flavour to Balinese society, adding to the natural beauty of the island. It is for these reasons it is said: Bali Dwipa Jaya - "Glorious Bali Island".

We share common elements and themes in our cultural traditions, the result of our long historical association. Even today, in the State of Orissa in Eastern India, the local people celebrate a festival called "The Bali Yatra" in the months of October or November to commemorate the departure of traders from Orissa to Bali. We would like to strengthen our cultural exchanges with the people of Bali.

The Indian Cultural Centre in Bali is at the centre of our efforts to build closer cultural bonds with Balinese people. It has been instrumental in encouraging visits by cultural troupes to and from Bali. We were pleased to receive earlier this year a Ramayana troupe which performed in the Ramayana Festival in India. An Indian cultural troupe performed the "Bali Yatra" in the Bali Arts Festival in June this year. I am confident that the Centre will continue with its good work in building linkages.

I end with the traditional Balinese salutation, which again is common to our two cultures - "OM Shanti Shanti Shanti OM". May peace pervade in the world and those who are pursuing the destructive path, return to the path of peace.

Thank you

Jai Hind