{The High Commission of Rwanda in India held a colorful event in New Delhi on July 4, 2015 to celebrate the country’s 21st Liberation Day. The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Tanmaya LAL, newly appointed Joint Secretary in charge of East and Southern Africa at the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, who was the chief guest for the occasion. Hon. Mr Satish Jarkiholi, Minister for Small Scale Industries of the State of Karnataka was among the dignataries who were present at the reception.}

With close to 400 guests, the evening reception was also attended by Ambassadors, Diplomats, Senior Indian Government Officials, members of the Indian business fraternity, and Rwandan Diaspora members living around the capital, who gathered to honor the struggle lead by the Rwanda Patriotic Front and the liberation of the country from the Genocidal Regime on July 4, 1994.

In his remarks, Amb. Ernest Rwamucyo paid tribute to the brave men and women of the Rwandan Patriotic Army for stopping the genocide and Liberating Rwanda from the genocidal regime. The Rwandan envoy dwelled on the theme for this year’s Liberation celebration, “Prosperity in Dignity”. “It speaks to the achievements Rwanda has registered over the last 21 years and the continued journey to social and economic transformation.” The High Commissioner explained. “It also emphasizes the Rwandan peoples’ enduring struggle for dignity and self-reliance, without which the country’s liberation will not be complete.” The High Commissioner told the gathering.

In his remarks, Mr. Tanmaya LAL, the Joint Secretary and Chief Guest of the Liberation Day celebration commended Rwandans for their resilience and the Government of Rwanda for its tremendous efforts and progress made since 1994. “India remains committed to support Rwanda’s endeavors and to further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two Nations based on mutual respect and the spirit of South-South cooperation” Mr. Lal insisted.

The celebration of the Liberation Day was organized also to salute the excellent bilateral cooperation existing between Rwanda and India, by showcasing Rwandan cultural dances performed by Rwandan students living in Punjab, in fusion with Indian Bollywood dances who gave an unforgettable flavor of this festive 4th July celebration.

The event was also attended by Mr. Prakash Jain, Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Mumbai and Mr. Mohan Suresh, Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Bangalore and Mr. Mohammed Iqbal Hussain, the designate Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Bangladesh.