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MESSAGE
FROM H.E. SHRI K.S. JASROTIA, AMBASSADOR OF |
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Your
Royal Highness, Dasho Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, Crown Prince
of Bhutan and President of the Bhutan - India Friendship Association;
Members of the Bhutan-India Friendship Association Working Group, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to convey my greetings to all those present here and the people of Phuentsholing on the occasion of the launching of the Phuentsholing Chapter of the Bhutan-India Friendship Association. The noble and farsighted initiative of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Bhutan to establish an institutionalized mechanism in the form of this Association is highly praiseworthy. As President of the Association His Royal Highness has taken a deep interest in its consolidation and expansion. The launching of four Chapters in Phuentsholing, Samdrup Dzongkhar, Samtse and Gelephu is part of this process. Ever since His Royal Highness has taken the reins of this organization in his able hands, it has found a sense of vitality and purpose in its mission. It is therefore indeed very heartening to note that BIFA is occupying its justified position as catalyst for people- to-people contact between the two countries under His dynamic and wise guidance. The opening of the Phuentsholing Chapter of BIFA would have a far-reaching impact for Indians and Bhutanese in these commercially important towns. Phuentsholing and Jaigoan are the first point of contact with the other country for our peoples. I hope that the people of the two countries, specially those living in border towns would relate more intimately with their friends across the border. Shared sentiments of brotherhood that already exist would get further strengthened. The youth of the two countries would be brought closer and sensitized to the uniqueness of Indo-Bhutan relationship. I have no doubt that Phuentsholing chapter of the Association would endeavor in this direction, as the destinies of the two countries are inextricably intertwined. India and Bhutan share the closest of relationship that has stood the test of time. From the historic visit of Pt. Nehru in 1958 to the very successful visit of His Majesty the King to India in September last year, and the recent developments, our friendship has grown deeper and more intimate under the guidance of His Majesty and our leadership. Ours is truly a bond fortified by shared history, geography, economics, religion and culture. The exhibition on Living Religious and Cultural Tradition of Bhutan in India in 2001, the Festival of India in Bhutan last year, the establishment of 'The India - Bhutan Foundation' during His Royal Highness' visit to India in August 2003, are but a few manifestations of our quest for ' people-to-people contact' working towards the goal of eternal friendship and cooperation. We have also been privileged to be a development partner of Bhutan and to share our resources for common benefit. Phuentsholing Chapter of BIFA, I am sure, would be a catalyst in giving a fresh orientation to amity between our two peoples. I wish the Chapter all the very best in its endeavors. Long live Indo-Bhutan friendship! Thank you and Tashi Delek! |
