The Embassy of India in Ashgabat hosted a gala reception dedicated to Hindi Day, celebrated annually on September 14. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the public, and the media.
Bandaru Wilsonbabu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Turkmenistan, addressed the guests with welcoming remarks. He recalled that Hindi Day is celebrated annually in commemoration of the decision of the Constituent Assembly in 1949 to grant Hindi the status of an official language of the country.
The head of the diplomatic mission emphasized that Hindi is the third most widely spoken language in the world, with more than 600 million speakers. It serves not only as a means of communication and a unifying link among the people of different regions of India, but also reflects the country’s rich culture and spiritual traditions.
In this context, the Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the achievements in educational cooperation.
“I am pleased to note that more than 40 students are currently studying Hindi at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, and some of them have already completed language training at the Central Institute of Hindi (Kendriya Hindi Sansthan) in Agra. Our Embassy intends to continue close cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan in order to expand language-learning programmes,” said the Ambassador.
The head of the diplomatic mission expressed confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral partnership under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
On behalf of the Turkmen side, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova delivered congratulatory remarks. The Turkmen diplomat conveyed sincere wishes to the Government and people of India on behalf of the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, noting the country’s prominent place in the international community, its rich historical and cultural heritage, and its impressive economic and scientific-technological potential.
The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that relations between the two countries are based on longstanding traditions of friendship, trust, and equality.
“In the context of the emerging new architecture of international relations, mutual respect, trust, good-neighbourliness, and constructive dialogue are particularly important. It is precisely these principles that provide a solid foundation for the further development of relations between Turkmenistan and India. I am confident that the friendly ties between our countries will continue to strengthen consistently, while multifaceted cooperation will take on new and meaningful forms,” stated M. Byashimova.
Concluding her remarks, the Deputy Minister wished the friendly people of India peace, stability, and prosperity.
The guests of the evening were treated to a rich programme that included an official ceremony, vibrant musical and dance performances, as well as a tasting of traditional Indian cuisine.
