Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Excerpts of remarks by Prime Minister at the Inauguration of LITTLE INDIA at Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

I am delighted to be present at the official inauguration of 'Little India' in Brickfields.

I am overwhelmed by the warmth of your welcome. On behalf of the people of India, I thank you for this magnificent celebration of friendship and brotherhood, and bring to you their greetings.

Malaysia represents the best of Asia. It is diverse, welcoming and beautiful. It is home to people of different ethnic backgrounds, races and religions. Malaysia sets an example for the world of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

The Indian community has made important contributions to the development of Malaysia during the past hundred years. They have worked with sincerity and dedication. They have excelled at medicine, law, engineering and accountancy. They have participated at each stage in the building of Malaysia.

The Malaysian Government's decision to dedicate the area of Brickfields, which is one of the oldest Indian settlements in the country, as "Little India" is a tribute to the contribution to nation building of all Malaysians of Indian origin.

On this special occasion, I have the pleasure to announce that India would be presenting a Torana Gate to the residents of Brickfields as a mark of India-Malaysia friendship.

In the long march of history the paths of India and Malaysia have often crossed. We share close bonds of history and culture. We are pluralistic nations, committed to a composite culture that is unique and tolerant of the diversity in our societies.

Swami Vivekananda, one of India's greatest philosophers, once said that "Variety is the first principle of life." Brickfields embodies that principle. It is a place in which the three communities of Malaysia live in peace and harmony with each other.

It is here that the Vivekananda Ashram, built in 1904, is located. And it is here in Brickfields, that Malaysians of Indian origin can give full expression to their individualism and culture.

As citizens of Malaysia, the Indian community's hopes and aspirations, life, family and future lie in this country. Yet they have maintained cultural and spiritual links with India. We welcome their desire as Persons of Indian origin to re-connect with their cultural roots even as they serve their country of adoption. The Indian community is well placed to be the bridge of friendship and understanding between India and Malaysia.

Malaysia under the dynamic leadership of Dato' Sri Najib has entered a new era of progress and prosperity. We wish him all success as he leads Malaysia to a better tomorrow.

Dato' Sri Najib has extended his hand of friendship to India. I fully reciprocate his friendship. After my discussions with Dato' Sri Najib today, I can say with confidence that India-Malaysia relations are poised for significant expansion in the coming years. Improving ties with Malaysia will be a very high priority of India's foreign policy in the years ahead.

Before I conclude, I wish to recall what Rabindranath Tagore once said: "A civilization must be judged and assessed not by the level of power it has reached but by how it develops and expresses a love of humanity."

It is to that high ideal that we must aspire and I hope that Brickfields will serve as a worthy example in that respect.

Thank you.