High Commission of India

Dhaka

Suggested Remarks by High Commissioner at inauguration of

at Gulshan Banani Puja Pandal

11 October 2021

(if present) Minister for Home Affairs, H.E. Mr. Asaduzzaman Kamal,

Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, Md. Atiqul Islam,

Organizers of the Puja festivities – Gulshan Banani Sharbajanin Puja Committee,

Namaskar, Shuvo Sandhya! Apnader Shabaike Sarodio Suveccha janayi!

2. I am delighted to be present here today to inaugurate this beautiful Puja Pandal. It is indeed an honor for me to join you in the festivities.

3. Goddess Durga is an embodiment of light, knowledge and bravery. Her victory is the victory of good over evil. Every year during the Durga Puja, we commit ourselves to slaying the demons of ignorance, hatred, violence and conflict.

4. During 1971, Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh stood against the forces of division and hatred and like the Goddess, achieved victory over the forces of darkness. India was proud to support the people of Bangladesh in their war of Liberation from tyranny. The values of the Liberation War lives on in Bangladesh today as can be seen in the inclusive nature of Durga Puja here in Bangladesh. Persons of all communities joyously visit the puja pandals and take part in the festivities sharing the music, dance and the delicious cuisine of Bangladesh. This is indeed the true spirit of Bangladesh for which Bangabandhu led the struggle for Bangladesh.

5. Friends, our people and our countries are connected through our blood. We are two nations but with one soul and one blood. Our shared culture and history have created a deep-rooted friendship between our people. Our common festivals represent our shared joys and our shared hope for the future. There is much more that India and Bangladesh can achieve by working together on a path towards prosperity. We must embrace our common goal – the well-being of our people. Durga Puja festivities offer us the opportunity to reaffirm the founding values of both our countries that are necessary for our growth and development.

6. I would like to wish all of you the very best for Durga Puja. I thank you once again for inviting me here today. Dhonnyawad.