As part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ commemorating India’s 75th year of independence, Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo jointly inaugurated a “Green Triangle” named after Mahatma Gandhi. Naina Andriantsitohaina, Mayor of Antananarivo, and Abhay Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Madagascar, inaugurated the green space on Wednesday during a special ceremony in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo.
Members of local government, the diplomatic corps, heads of international organizations, and members of the Indian diaspora attended the ceremony to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
Mr. Andriantsitohaina expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s efforts in greening the area, stating that it complies with the Urban Municipality of Antananarivo’s goal of creating the maximum amount of green space possible in Madagascar’s capital city, according to an Embassy press release.
Mr. Kumar described Gandhi as the “greatest Pravasi” who returned to India from South Africa, led India’s struggle for independence, and forever altered the lives of Indians.
He added that Madagascar has a sizable diaspora from Gujarat, India, and it is fitting that a green triangle named after Gandhi, who was born in the state’s Porbandar, is being unveiled in the capital of Madagascar.
Mr. Kumar cited Gandhi’s famous quote that “the earth provides enough to meet every man’s needs but not every man’s greed” and said the new green space exemplifies Gandhi’s vision and philosophy regarding consumerism reduction, nature preservation, and sustainable development.
“The word green on the plaque represents our commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection,” Mr. Kumar explained, adding that the triangle will help raise public awareness of Gandhi’s values of peace and nonviolence.
Earlier Postal stamps of Mahatma Gandhi was released in 2019
Mr. Kumar also presented the Mayor with Gandhi postal stamps issued by the Malagasy Post to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary in 2019.
The Indian Embassy in Antananarivo held a special ceremony last week to unveil the “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” plaque on the Embassy grounds as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
Mr. Kumar, Madagascar’s Minister of Communication and Culture Lalatiana Rakotondrazafy Andriatongarivo, and other Ambassadors, heads of global organizations, and members of the Indian Diaspora in Madagascar unveiled the plaque via lamp lighting. Mr. Kumar emphasized that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or the entire earth is one family, is a central tenet of Indian civilization, according to an Embassy press release.
Ms. Andriatongarivo added that two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, “what could be more fundamental than to speak of unity?” According to Ms. Andriatongarivo, the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam fits perfectly with one of the Ministry of Communication and Culture’s civic education programs, ‘Iray ihany isika’ (we are one). She continued by stating that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a universal philosophy that “we can completely share and propagate.”