Ambassador's welcome remarks at the 2011 Independence Day Function in Ashgabat [President Hotel ; Saturday, 10 September 2011]
Excellencies and Dear Guests,
Thank you very much for your presence here as we celebrate India's 65th Independence Day.
We are truly honoured to have in our midst H.E. Mr. Baymurad Khodjamukhamedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Let me share a secret. You are aware that Ambassadors are not supposed to meet dignitaries in the countries of their posting till credentials are presented. I met the Excellency on my very first working day in Ashgabat. I consider myself fortunate that I have known the Excellency since May 2010 when the esteemed President of Turkmenistan visited India on a State visit. I would like to thank the Excellency, Mr. Khodjamukhamedov for his gracing this occasion. We are also honoured to have here H.E. Mr. B. Nedirov, Minister of Oil/Gas of Turkmenistan.
On behalf of all guests present here, I would like to convey our greetings and best wishes to the people of Turkmenistan as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of their independence.
The 65th Indian Independence Day and the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence this year are no indication of historically close and warm ties existing between our two countries.
The historic city of Nissa had its links with Mohenjo-daro and Harappa ancient cities of Indus Valley civilisation. In Mary, a Buddha stupa was found, reaffirming that the Lord Buddha's message of compassion, peace and harmony found its acceptance in this land of Turkmenistan. The Silk Road has connected us in the past as does the internet today. In South East corner of LEBAP province at Hojapil, the locals told me about the footprints of elephants of Alexander the Great as they marched to India.
Indian films and songs have found place in the hearts and minds of our friends in Turkmenistan. In Delhi, where I come from, we have a TURKMAN GATE, built 350 years ago, to honour Turkmen soldiers who served in Moghul Army in India. Bairam Khan and Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana are respected equally in both countries.
In contemporary times, we are trying to address present needs and aspirations to the advantage of our two people in a meaningful and substantial way.
TAPI gas pipeline Project, which is expected to be operational by 2017, is an obvious example of these efforts. The Project has seen remarkable progress since August 2010. Due to the dynamic vision and leadership of H.E. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov the first TAPI Summit was held in Ashgabat in December 2010. We are having TAPI meeting every month, if not more, to make good progress on the project. Insaallah, next TAPI Ministerial meeting will be held soon in Ashgabat to conclude the Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement.
Excellencies and Dear Guests,
India is known for its Information Technology skills. We are working with Magtumguly University to set up an IT Centre here. This will help two sides to work closely in this area.
We have also made good progress in promoting cultural and educational ties. We have a Hindi Professor at Azady Institute since last year. Some Turkmen students visit India for higher studies. A Bollywood troupe would entertain the people of Ashgabat next month during the Independence Day celebrations.
However, we lack on one front, that is, bilateral trade. Our annual trade is only 50 million dollars. Some efforts are being made to increase trade volume. I am happy to say that the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry would be participating, for the first time, in the India International Trade Fair in Delhi this year. Hopefully, many Indians will see and feel the marvellous and world-reputed Turkmen wool and silk carpets.
Excellencies and Dear Guests,
Today, we are making a humble effort to provide you with Indian food. I hope you will like and enjoy it. I would like to thank our Indian company, PAMPOSH, for making this possible.
India has the biggest democracy in the world. It is, at times, chaotic and noisy but it functions. Our annual economic growth has been consistent at 8%. Our freedom struggle was non-violent in nature, under the leadership of Mahatama Gandhi. While we are proud of our democracy, we do not wish to export it elsewhere. It is our popular culture that has found acceptance all over the world - whether it is Indian films, Indian curry and cuisines, Indian yoga and meditation.
Towards the end, let me share a joke about the popularity of Indian food. When the American astronaut, Neil Armstrong, landed on the moon, he was welcomed by an Indian who offered him hot chai and samosa. The American was surprised to find another human there as he had mistakenly thought himself to be the first man on the moon. He asked the Indian when did he come to the moon. The Indian replied that he came straight to the moon after the partition of India in 1947. While Neil Armstrong had to go all the way to the moon to enjoy Indian food, all of you are lucky to have it here itself in Ashgabat. Should you like to taste more variety of Indian food, we have 8 flights a week from Ashgabat to India.
I would like to thank you once again for your presence.
Thank you.
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