Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has called the Indian community in Czech Republic as “living bridge” between two countries, as they have contributed significantly to the progress of the country despite being smaller in number.“
As professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs, and students, you also serve as a living bridge between the two countries. You have flourished in this country and have earned deep respect for yourselves and for India. We are, indeed, proud of your success,” he said, addressing the Indian diaspora at Indian community reception as per official statement.
Citing the warm relations between India and Czech Republic, President Kovind said that relations between the two countries date back a thousand years when traders from Bohemia bought spices and silk from India.
Referring to Charles University, which is known as the oldest center of Indology in Europe, he said “Eminent Czech scholars brought the works of Rabindranath Tagore to the Czech people and helped foster a deep cultural connect with India. The installation of the bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Prague and naming the tram station “Thakurova” after him is homage to Gurudev and to his poetic genius.”
He said that even Indian freedom struggle has its association with this country as Subhash Chandra Bose visited Prague and spent some time here. In his struggle for freedom for India, he founded the Indo-Czech Association in Prague in 1934.
After these historic connections, Kovind also highlighted a special link that all Indians are familiar in their day to day life. Telling the historic association of shoe company Bata with Czech Republic, President said, “Many of you would know that Bata, a brand with which all Indians have grown up and which all of us consider our own, has its roots in this country. A great son of the Czech Republic, Thomas Bata founded the Bata shoe company in a town not far from Prague.”
“Bata shoes today walk in every village, every town and every city in India,” he added.
He also took to Twitter to share the musical program, where Czech Sinfonietta Orchestra presented Kishore Kumar’s iconic song “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas.”
A heartwarming rendition of Kishore Kumar’s iconic “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas” by India-Czech Sinfonietta Orchestra pic.twitter.com/LzMhpmea4G
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 6, 2018
Calling India as the fastest growing economy in the world, he said that there are numerous opportunities of growth for trade, investments, and technology between the two countries. He appreciated Indian community’s professional experience and entrepreneurial spirit and called for their support in taking the partnership between two countries further.
“The Czech Republic, a manufacturing powerhouse with advanced technology base, can be a key partner for our Make In India, Digital India, Start-up India and other national programs. We seek your support in this endeavor.”
Kovind reached Prague, the capital of Czech Republic , on Sept 6. It was the last stop of his three nation visit after Cyprus and Bulgaria.
During his visit to Prague five agreements were signed between two countries, which include cooperation between CSIR and Czech Academy of Sciences, Visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders, and cooperation in Laser technology.