Indian Mission Holds National Day Event
By Jon Tam poi

Bandar Seri Begawan - Indian nationals and several invited guests and well-wishers celebrated the Indian National Day at the Indian High Commission in Jalan Sungai Akar yesterday. The event was attended by Indian High Commissioner Reward V Warjri and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Warjri.

The event began with a flag-hoisting ceremony and a recital of the Indian national anthem. This was followed by an address by Indian President Mdm Pratibha Patil, which was read by the Indian High Commissioner.

The National Day event also coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Independence of India and the 150' anniversary of the Historic (Indian) War of Independence in 1857, thus making it a doubly important occasion for Indian nationals.

In her address, the Indian President noted that independence is not appreciated fully if one construes it merely as a "political arrangement".

"The real test is in internalising the spirit of democracy and making it a habit in the mind. India has ably demonstrated to the world how India can give its people a better quality of life within the framework of a secular democracy, as a developing nation of more than a billion people."

Mdm Patil said it was the duty of all citizens to ensure that the system of parliamentary democracy, which had been worked on successfully through the years, continues to grow from strength to strength.

Her speech also highlighted the fact that the father of modem India - Mahatma Gandhi - had once said that the salvation of India lies in the elevation of her women. There was also a need, she said, to "weld the nation into a strong, unassailable unity in which there is no room for distrust between citizens, as for any nation and people to become great, there is a need to pursue the path of collective vision".

Also present at the event were several senior officers of the Indian High Commission as well as Indian nationals residing in Brunei Darussalam. There are about 5,000 Indian nationals currently serving in Brunei, many of whom are affiliated to the Indian Chambers of Commerce of Brunei Darussalam. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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