29 Apr 2019

 The Indian community has donated more than P111 000 to Ipelego Community Development Trust at an India-Botswana cultural Day that was graced by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo Masisi, on April 28.

Ipelego Trust is a Non-Governmental Organisation that was formed by President Masisi to improve the lives of people of Moshupa, focusing on agriculture and livelihoods.

In his welcome remarks at the India-Botswana Day, the High Commissioner of India to Botswana, Dr Rajesh Ranjan said the event was meant to enhance the people-to-people contact between Botswana and India and better understanding of the two countries’ culture.

The event, which was organised and coordinated by women to showcase women empowerment, also showcased Indian and Botswana cultural performances as well as attire.

India and Botswana’s bilateral ties, Dr Ranjan said, were underpinned by shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties.

“There is increasing convergence of values, strategic perspectives and economic systematic complementarities between the two countries,” he said.

Botswana and India, the High Commissioner said had lots of similarities, as they were both shining examples of vibrant democracy and would be holding general elections this year.

Both countries, he said, also had unlimited potential and opportunities to collaborate with each other and the rest of the world, for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Dr Rajan urged all Indian citizens residing in Botswana to cast their vote, adding that elections were already ongoing in India and would be completed on May 23.

International Affairs and Cooperation minister, Dr Unity Dow, Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane, Bank of Botswana governor, Mr Moses Pelaelo and Kgosi Kgabosetso Mosielele also attended the event. ENDS