Jalandhar April 24 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, organized a special lecture on Indo-Malta Relationships under the visionary guidance of Principal Prof. Dr. (Mrs.) Ajay Sareen. The college had the honour of hosting His Excellency Mr. Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta, as the Chief Guest for the occasion.
The Guests of Honour included Mr. Sahil Tandon, Managing Director of A & Z Exports International, Jalandhar, Mr. J.K. Tandon, Chairman A & Z Exports International and Mrs. Rekha Tandon, Director A & Z Exports International. The dignitaries were formally escorted by NCC cadets and accorded a Guard of Honour, symbolizing the warm hospitality and disciplined spirit of the institution.
Principal Dr. Ajay Sareen, along with Dr. Navroop, Senior Faculty & Dean Youth Welfare, and Dr. Ramnita Saini Sharda, Coordinator of the event, extended a green welcome to the esteemed guests by presenting saplings. In her welcome address, Dr. Sareen expressed heartfelt joy at strengthening the Indo-Malta bond, referring to the guests as “brothers and sisters,” thereby emphasizing the spirit of global kinship. She added that HMV takes pride in acting as a bridge between nations through educational and cultural exchanges.
Dr. Ramnita Saini Sharda, in her concept note, highlighted the initiative as a part of the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam philosophy, aimed at promoting peace, understanding, and global brotherhood. She termed the event a celebration of evolving bilateral ties built on mutual respect and cooperation. His Excellency Mr. Reuben Gauci, in his address, thanked India for being the first nation to recognize Malta’s independence and initiate diplomatic ties.
Relations between countries are ultimately about people, not just governments
Emphasizing the human element of international relations, he stated that “relations between countries are ultimately about people, not just governments.” Expressing admiration for HMV, he remarked, “Where women lead, things happen,” and praised the college as a model of women empowerment.
The High Commissioner also provided an insightful overview of Indo-Malta relations, both pre- and post-independence. As a symbolic gesture of friendship, bands of friendship were tied to the guests, signifying strong ties and mutual respect. Mr. Gauci also interacted with students, engaging in thoughtful discussions on global issues, further enriching the academic and cultural experience of the audience.
The dignitaries were honoured with mementoes and traditional Phulkaris, reflecting Punjabi warmth and culture. Mr. Reuben Gauci reciprocated the gesture by presenting tokens of affection to the HMV family. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Ramnita Saini Sharda, while the event proceedings were efficiently anchored by Mrs. Protima. The lecture was attended with great enthusiasm by faculty members and students.