India was always ahead of time, 18 out of 19 universities of that time were situated here, one was there in China while the West had none. Colonizers took us back and taught us their concept of civilization and de-culturalized us. These views were expressed by Dr. Indresh Kumar, national executive member of RSS and Patron of Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch (RSJM) in the valedictory session of 4th Himalaya Hind Mahasagar Rashtra Samuh International Conference on Bharat, Girmitiya, and Africa: Historical, Cultural, and Strategic Cooperation organized by Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch (RSJM), in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia, Law Faculty, DU and the Centre for Himalayan Studies held in the University of Delhi.
Several international speakers, diplomats, and eminent personalities from various fields, including academia, politics, and bureaucracy attended the conference. Noteworthy among these were diplomats H.E. Dr. Muawia Elbukhari of Sudan, H.E. Nora Bkuku of Zambia, H.E. Steven Chisulo of Zambia, H.E. D’Jimtoal Kodjinam of Chad, H.E. Josephine Patricia of Gabo H.E. Ntyam Ehya of Gabon, H.E. Yawo Edem Akpemado of Togo, H.E. Dr. Desire Boniface Some of Burkina Faso and H.E. Tejinder Kaur of Sierra Leone. With representation from across 27 countries, the conference provided a platform for insightful discussions and collaborations on historical, cultural, and strategic cooperation between Bharat, Girmitiya, and Africa.
Dr. Indresh Kumar said that India and Girmitiya have a very close relationship not just because of mere strategic or economic means but because of the cultural and historical ties. There is no history of conflict or struggle between India and Girmitiya, the locals never had any problem with Indians that was because of our way of living.
H.E. Yawo Edem Akpemado, the Ambassador of Togo said there is a deep need to understand the relationship between India and Africa and we commend such conferences for facilitating platforms that promote understanding and collaboration between nations. The Ambassador of Chad mentioned that the historical connections between Chad and India serve as a foundation for deeper engagement and partnerships. Initiatives like this conference provide an opportunity to explore shared interests and work towards common goals.
H.E. Dr. Desire Boniface Some, the Ambassador of Burkina Faso speaking on the theme of the conference, said that there is a need to strengthen the cooperative and diplomatic ties as we share a common history and cultural heritage. It is imperative to identify areas of convergence and leverage them for the benefit of our respective nations. Forums such as this conference play a vital role in fostering dialogue and building bridges of cooperation.
Eminent personalities of the country and the world presented their deep understanding of the topic. Air Marshal (Dr.) R.C. Bajpai, Prof. A.B. Shukla (Retd. IAS), IGNCA, Lt. Gen. K.J. Singh, Dr. Rajiv Nayan, IDSA, Prof. Abuzar Khairi, JMI and Dr. Muleta Sedato, Ethiopia were among the personalities who chaired the academic sessions of the conference, helping the organization achieve its objective making it a success.
On this occasion, Golok Behari, national general secretary (organization) of Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch, said that Indian traditions are not only followed in India but in Africa too with the same essence highlighting the cultural bonding. He also mentioned how Gandhi ji fought against discrimination by the British and became a shining diamond in Africa.
While giving the welcome address, the director, of the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Milia Islamia University, Prof. M. Mahtab Alam Rizvi said that Indian and Girimitiyan culture is deeply interlinked because of its common history. While explaining in detail about the conference he explained how the academic session held over the two-day conference will help in the future progress of Bharat. The Dean of Works, Delhi University, Prof. BW Pandey thanked everybody who was present to grace the conference with their insights.
Vikkramaditya Singh, Sah Sangathan Mantri of RSJM, presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the participants, speakers, organizers, and collaborators for their invaluable contributions towards making the conference a resounding success. He emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and harnessing collective potential for the greater good. He especially thanked Dr. Indresh Kumar, the patron of RSJM for his invaluable time and Prof. Alka Chawla Director, CLC for the venue and resources available.
