The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E Jeeva Sagar has promised to equitably distribute India’s resources for the betterment all the citizens, as the country’s economic continues to grow.
He made the call at a flag hoisting ceremony at his residence in Accra, over the weekend, to mark the 69th Independence anniversary of India.
Mr Sagar noted: “Our country’s rise will be measured by the strength of its values, but it will equally be determined by economic growth and equitable distribution of the nation’s resources”.
“Our economy promises much hope for the future. The new chapters of the ‘India Story’ are waiting to be written. ‘Economic reforms’ is a work-in progress”.
Mr. Sagar, who hoisted the Flag of India and later read a speech on behalf of the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, observed that the country’s performance over the last decade had been commendable; and it was most heartening that after a dip, it had recovered to 7.3% growth in 2014-15.
However, he told the large Indian community in Ghana that the benefits of growth must reach the poorest of poor before they land into the bank accounts of the richest of the rich, stressing: “We are an inclusive democracy, and an inclusive economy; there is place for everyone in the hierarchy of wealth”.
But the first call goes to those who suffer on the brink of deprivation. Our policies must be geared to meet the ‘Zero Hunger’ challenge in a foreseeable future, Mr. Sagar stated.
On education, the Indian diplomat warned: “A nation which forgets the idealism of its past loses something vital from its future. Our educational institutions multiply as the aspirations of generations continue to exceed supply”.
Our democracy is creative because it is plural, but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience. Vested interests chip away at social harmony, in an attempt to erode many centuries of secularism, according Mr. Sagar.
In an age of instant communication through ever-improving technology, they must remain vigilant to ensure that the devious designs of a few never overcome the essential oneness of the people.
For both government and people the rule of law is sacrosanct, but is also protected by something greater than law: humanity. As he quoted Mahatma Gandhi: “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
Touching on Peace, friendship and cooperation, Mr Sagar recognized that; “the shared destiny of the Indian sub-continent, we must strengthen connectivity, expand institutional capacity and enhance mutual trust to further regional cooperation.
As we make progress in advancing our interests globally, India is also engaged in pro-actively promoting goodwill and prosperity in our immediate neighbourhood. It is heartening that the long pending land boundary issue with Bangladesh has been finally resolved”.
While India offers its hand willingly in friendship, the country cannot stay blind to deliberate acts of provocation and a deteriorating security environment.
India is a target of vicious terrorist groups operating from across the borders. Except the language of violence and the cult of evil, these terrorists have no religion and adhere to no ideology, he stated.
“Our neighbours must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India. Our policy will remain one of zero tolerance for terrorism. We reject any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Infiltration into our territory and attempts to create mayhem will be dealt with a strong hand”.
Mr Sagar used the anniversary to pay glowing tributes to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives defending India, saying; ” I salute the courage and heroism of our security forces who are maintaining an eternal vigil to safeguard the territorial integrity of our country and the safety of our people”.
African Eye News.com
