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By Pemphero Malimba: Indian High Commissioner to Malawi Amararam Gujar has urged Malawi and other countries across the globe to promote peace among people of different backgrounds as the countries experience changes in political systems. Gujar said this would facilitate the creation of a conducive environment for all and promote the development of countries. He said this during activities marking Diwali Celebrations in Lilongwe on Wednesday night. “We are passing through so many political changes across the globe. As such, we need more belief in peace and harmony and that is what the festival of Diwali represents. The world has to be a peaceful place and a more human-centric approach should be adopted so that there is harmony among societies, among countries also,” Gujar said. He said as one way of promoting good relations between Malawi and India, his country would promote cultural exchange with Malawi to bridge the gap between people of the two countries. “Cultural exchanges and cultural diplomacy also play an important role in making the bridge between countries. A dancing troupe came all the way from India and, now, we are planning to send a big dancing troupe to India in the next couple of months. This kind of cultural exchange will help to deepen understanding among the people and among the societies. That is very, very important,” he said. Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda, who was guest of honour at the event, said India had shown its commitment to ensuring that the two countries cement their relationship. “The Indian government has extended a gesture of goodwill that some people from here, including our cultural groups, will go to India in February and I will promote this exchange,” he said. He said it was crucial for Malawi and India to promote cultural exchange as one way of promoting unity. “Cultural exchanges are important because they cement the relationship further. It means that it is not only the political aspect but, also, the human being becomes part and parcel of the relationship,” Chaponda said. The climax of the event saw government officials, members of the Indian community and members of the diplomatic community being treated to cultural dances and the cracking of fireworks, among other things. The dances included a performance from a special cultural troupe from India’s state of Rajasthan. Diwali is a festival of the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated as one way of promoting peace.
