People-to-people ties rooted in shared aspirations and mutual goodwill remain the “true beating heart” of the enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said on Saturday.
He made the remarks as the Indian High Commission in Dhaka celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with members of the Indian community and friends of India in Bangladesh.
Trivedi hoisted the Tricolour at the ceremony, following which the national anthem and ‘Vande Mataram’ were rendered.
Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner said India was celebrating not only its freedom but also the strength of its democratic traditions and the country’s growth story.
“Today we celebrate not only the dawn of our freedom but also the enduring strength of our democratic traditions and the remarkable growth story of modern India,” he said.
Highlighting India’s development momentum, Trivedi said the country was progressing on the strength of innovation, resilience and the collective aspirations of its citizens. He called upon members of the Indian community in Bangladesh to remain an integral part of India’s continuing journey.
Reflecting on India-Bangladesh ties, he said the roots of the two countries’ freedom struggles were “deeply intertwined”, with bilateral relations continuing to flourish on the foundation of shared history, mutual respect and partnership.
“Our nation is moving towards unprecedented momentum driven by innovation, resilience, and the collective aspirations of our citizens. As members of the vibrant Indian community here, as an integral part of this extraordinary journey,” he said.
He said India and Bangladesh were advancing their partnership across key sectors, including trade, connectivity, security and healthcare.
Emphasising the importance of people-to-people relations, Trivedi said, “We recognise that it is the people-to-people connectivity, rooted in shared aspiration and mutual goodwill, that remains the true beating heart of this enduring friendship.”
He also called for a renewed commitment to India’s continued progress, unity and shared prosperity as the country looks towards the future.
As part of the Independence Day tradition, Trivedi read excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation.
Quoting the President, he said the significance of August 15, 1947, lay not only in India’s liberation from colonial rule but also in empowering citizens to shape the destiny of independent India.
He further highlighted the President’s emphasis on people’s participation in the Constitution and the functioning of the country’s democracy.
-ANI
