Nomoshkar Apnader Shokkol ke shubheccha Janacchi

Honourable Ministers, Office Bearers of the Mahanagar Sarbojoneen Puja Committee & Bangladesh Pujo Udjapan Porishad, Distinguished Guests and Dear Devotees,

I thank the office bearers of Mahanagar Sarbojoneen Puja Committee for organizing Janmashtami at Dhakeshwari Temple.

And I greet everyone on Holy Janmashtami, associated as it is with Bhadra, this month of rains. In my childhood, this was a favourite festival: I remember as a child not only the special food and festivities, but also the unique touches of devotional music dedicated to Lord Krishna, as well as the charming baby footmarks, usually from the aangan to the kitchen, that defined my Janamashtami.

Friends,It is delightful to see how this festival brings together not only the Hindu community, but all Bangla people in celebration of the culture and heritage of this ancient land. Every festival here—of whichever faith—is shared in festive colour across the border in India. Our traditions are truly a golden link between our nations. It is after all natural that all people in our inclusive tradition celebrate all festivals together, because the message of all religion is universal: faith, love and fellowship for all humankind, as well as peace, happiness and unity. As a neighbour, I am glad that this is still reflected in Janmashtami celebrations in Bangladesh. As Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly said, ‘Dharmo Jar Jar - Utsob Sabar’. This is the spirit that inspired the Liberation War of 1971 and the magnificent, inclusive and progressive 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh. Long may this spirit prevail in Bangladesh and the world !

Friends, The bond between India and Bangladesh was indeed forged in unique circumstances of tragedy, sacrifice and great humanitarian distress, and shared struggle in the face of a brutal and genocidal oppressor. But the bond that sustains us since 1971 builds upon that foundation and goes much further. Today, we are both independent, equal, sovereign nations with millennia-old bonds of common history, language, culture and heritage, as well as shared values of harmonious co-existence, and respect for diversity and inclusion. Ours are nations that are inspired by truly pluralist values. We both understand that national progress can only be achieved through fairness, compassion and through equal opportunity for all.

In these fifty years of our unique partnership and friendship, much has been said or misinterpreted about our friendship. So let me use the platform of this sacred national temple, to say clearly:

The India-Bangladesh partnership is based on mutual respect and shared prosperity of our people. Every effort on both sides to deepen the partnership is based solely on the understanding that it will benefit the people of both countries;

As a nation that shares every possible commonality, plus nearly 4100 kms of border, India is, was and will always be a friend to all of Bangladesh. The future of our friendship is with the people first and foremost. And yes, it is based on the values and goals that you set for yourself in the first years of your independence. Making progress in the spirit of those values of inclusion and harmony; of a Bangladesh for all who live here; is first and foremost your own national effort:

There can be no progress for either one of us individually: we need each others’ cooperation to ensure a peaceful, stable, secure neighbourhood, and an interconnected sub-region. We in India are committed to this goal, for the equal progress of all of our countries. This is why we are invested in creating a broad based, people-centric development partnership aimed at all people and communities.

Finally, all Indian Governments have given highest priority to this friendship. We will always hope that this is reciprocated by all groups and parties here as well. Regardless of that, all of my predecessors have worked single-mindedly to seek friendship with the people of Bangladesh, throughout your history, and with all shades of Bangladeshi opinion

Friends,It is with the hope that in the years ahead, Indian and Bangladeshi people will continue to fully celebrate every festival that makes our subcontinent the world’s most diverse region. And I also hope that the traditional spirit of happiness, friendship, peace and harmony will only grow in a Bangladesh that remains true to the remarkable founding vision and values of your Liberation War. Onek Onek DhonnobadThank You.