Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: ‘Green Triangle’ named after Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated in Madagascar’s capital

A “Green Triangle” named after Mahatma Gandhi was jointly inaugurated in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo.

It was done as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate India’s 75th year of independence.

Mayor of Antananarivo Naina Andriantsitohaina and India’s Ambassador to Madagascar Abhay Kumar inaugurated the green space on Wednesday.

Members of local government, diplomatic corps, heads of international organisations and members of the Indian diaspora attended the event.

In his address, Andriantsitohaina lauded efforts by the Embassy in greening the area.

Kumar said Gandhi was the “greatest Pravasi” who returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle.

It may be mentioned that Madagascar has a large diaspora from Gujarat.

Making a mention of Gandhi’s simple life style, Kumar said the freedom fighter had once said “earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs but not every man’s greed”.

He added that the new green space highlights Gandhi’s vision and philosophy when it comes to reducing consumerism, respecting nature and aiming for sustainable development.

Kumar also presented postal stamps on Gandhi to the Mayor, issued by the Malagasy Post to mark celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019.

Last week, the Embassy of India in Antananarivo had organised a special ceremony to unveil the plaque of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” in the Embassy premises as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.