Delighted to Arrive in New Delhi When Country Is Celebrating ‘Second Diwali’, says UNGA Chief
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd Jan. Dennis Francis, the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), expressed his happiness upon arriving in India during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. He said that he is looking forward to discussing peace and progress in the country.
The UNGA President shared his feelings, saying, “I am delighted to arrive in New Delhi on this auspicious day when the country is celebrating its Second Diwali.”
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He also greeted India with a Namaste and expressed his excitement for fruitful discussions on peace, progress, prosperity, and sustainability in the coming days.
Dennis Francis arrived in New Delhi for a five-day visit to India to strengthen India-UN relations. He was welcomed at the airport by Ruchira Kamboj, India’s permanent representative to the UN.
The UNGA President’s visit to India, from January 22-26, was at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Meanwhile, the Pran Pratishtha ceremony was held in Ayodhya with tight security. The ceremony included the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saints, and distinguished guests.
During his visit, the UNGA President will discuss key multilateral issues of mutual interest with EAM Jaishankar. He will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and participate in a round table on India’s advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Additionally, he will deliver a public address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on Multilateralism and Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability on January 24.
After his visit to New Delhi, Francis will travel to Jaipur and Mumbai.
In Mumbai, he will pay tribute at the 26/11 memorial and engage in various activities, including a visit to the National Stock Exchange and an address on New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
On January 26, Republic Day, Francis will participate as a state guest in the Republic Day Parade of Maharashtra. This visit presents a unique opportunity to strengthen India-UN ties, particularly with the General Assembly, which is the most representative organ of the United Nations. Discussions will include India’s call for reforms of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, to make it more equitable and representative for developing countries.
The visit will also enhance India’s collaboration with the United Nations on Indian priorities and global challenges faced by the Global South.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also participated in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ramlalla in the newly-built Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. He expressed his gratitude for being part of this emotional moment and addressed the distinguished gathering.
The ceremony was attended by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with representatives from various spiritual and religious sects and tribal communities.
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is constructed in traditional Nagara style and showcases intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities. The main sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Shri Ramlalla.
The Mandir complex includes five halls, a historic well, and the restored ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv. The foundation of the Mandir is made of roller-compacted concrete, and no iron is used in its construction. The complex also has facilities such as a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, and an independent power station.
