Respected Dr. Tsengelmaa, Director of the Children’s Palace of Mongolia, Respected Parents and my Dear Children. It is my honour and privilege to be involved in the organisation of this great and beautiful dance competition. This is not only a competition but a festival of Indian dance in Mongolia. I am delighted that more than 450 children participated in various groups and styles of dancing.
Art, culture and dance have no barriers of language or geography. Today, I can see a mini India in Mongolia. India is the largest democracy in the world with a population of 1.4 billion. India has 22 official languages, 28 Provinces and each province has its own attire and food culture and various forms of dances. India is a nation of Unity in Diversity.
India and Mongolia are strategic partners, third neighbours and Spiritual Brothers. Our historical cultural ties have deep civilizational linkages through Buddhism. The bilateral ties stand on the pillars of 4 Ds i.e. Democracy, Dharma (Religion), Development Partnership & Digital Development. The bilateral friendly relations are multifaceted and today’s dance festival has added one more beautiful angle to our relationship
This year this competition has special significance as we are celebrating the 70th year of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India and Mongolia.
It is heartening to note that from several years every year around 40 Mongolian students are availing ICCR scholarships to study engineering, humanity, Law, economics, language courses at Undergraduate, Post Graduate and Master’s/Phd level in India. I am happy to inform you that the Indian alumni network in Mongolia is strong and the alumni are working at middle and senior management levels in various sectors. The scholarship window is open now till 18 April 2025.
I have always believed that relationships between two countries are not built by governments alone. People's participation is crucial in strengthening these relationships. The people to people contact between the two countries is contributing immensely to the strengthening of the bilateral relations. This competition plays an important role in furthering people-to-people ties. I am confident that in years to come this competition will grow further. I am thankful to the Indian company Kalpataru Projects International Limited for sponsoring this event.
I congratulate all organisers, parents, teachers, my Embassy staff and above all, all the students who have actively participated in this competition. In the end I would like to emphasise to all children and there parents that what is important is participation and not to lose or win. Long Live the friendship between India and Mongolia.
Thankyou/Bayarllala
