In a few years, leadership of half the countries of the world will be with people of Indian origin: Indresh Kumar
Fourth Himalayan Indian Ocean Group of Nations International Conference on India, Indentureship and Africa: Inauguration of Historical, Cultural and Strategic Cooperation
New Delhi, 05 March 2024
In Africa only two faces are known, either African or Indian. There are no Europeans or Americans there, only people of great Indian origin. These views were expressed by Dr. Indresh Kumar, National Executive Member of RSS and Patron of Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch (RSJM) at the 4th Himalayan Indian Ocean Nations Group International Conference on India, Indentured India and Africa: Historical, Cultural and Strategic Collaboration held at Delhi University. .
The conference featured participants from 27 countries as well as a number of international speakers and diplomats. Additionally, several speakers, research scholars and professors from across India contributed their insights and expertise to enrich the discussion.
Giving the example of the struggle for the temple in Ayodhya, Dr. Indresh Kumar said that struggle is very important in life, without it happiness cannot be experienced. He said that it is because of the struggle that the indentured person has gone through that he has reached his current heights. This two-day conference was organized under the joint aegis of Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch, Jamia Millia Islamia, Center for Himalayan Studies, DU, and Law Faculty.
He said that Indians live in indentured countries and the people there are our own and they will always remain our own. No matter which country they are citizens of, they are Indians by origin.
Well-known personalities from across the country and the world presented their deep understanding on this subject. The organization is confident that with its help the conference will achieve its objective.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, the guest of honour, Mauritius Ambassador to India Mukheshwar Chauni said that the blood of Mauritius and India is the same, our DNA is the same. Explaining about the word Girmitiya, he said that it comes from the word agreement, but in Hindi it is used as a prefix to give a negative meaning to any word, due to which it became Grement and from that it became Girmit. He also talked about how indentured servants in Mauritius have risen to the top levels of government and are proud of their background and have preserved their traditions and culture in its purest form.
On this occasion, National General Secretary (Organization) of Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch, Golok Bihari said that it is important to know what India is and how it resonates in the whole world. He also mentioned that culture and economics go hand in hand and uplifting one will benefit the other.
Delivering the welcome address, Dean of Works, Delhi University, Prof. BW Pandey thanked all those who were present for gracing the conference with their insights. He said that under the guidance of Dr. Indresh Kumar, this organization is playing its active role in the interest of the country with full energy. Addressing the conference, Professor M. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Director, Nelson Mandela Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia University, said that Indian and Girimatian culture are deeply connected due to their common history. Elaborating about the conference, he said that it will promote better historical, cultural and strategic cooperation between the countries.
Expressing his views on this occasion, Lieutenant General R.N. Singh mentioned how ‘Girmitiya’ came into existence. He emphasized on Indian-African engagement and relations under globalization and expansion in the modern world. He enriched the audience with the Focus Africa program launched by the Government of India in 2002 to increase interaction between the two regions by identifying areas for bilateral trade and investment.
Lieutenant General K. Yes. Singh started with the term girmitiya and how it got distorted and how it is used. India’s international peacekeeping involvement with African countries like Angola and Somalia is a testament to India’s commitment to Africa. He also mentioned Major Gurubachan Singh Salaria who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his sacrifice and services to the nation. He also mentioned India’s maritime security and cooperative model as well as professional military education initiatives. Finally, he mentioned India’s participation in the QUAD alliance.
The 4th Himalayan Indian Ocean Nations Group International Conference promises to be a platform for meaningful dialogue and cooperation, which has the potential to bring about positive change and strengthen ties between nations.
Vikramaditya Singh of Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch presented the vote of thanks. He especially thanked Anju Wali Tikku, Prof. Alka Chawla, Dr. Seema Singh, Prof. B.W. Pandey, and Prof. Mahtab Alam Rizvi for their cooperation.
