Did MoS Margherita Honor Mahatma Gandhi with a Sapling in Brisbane, Australia?

Brisbane, Sep 17 (NationPress) Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Pabitra Margherita honored Mahatma Gandhi by paying homage at his statue located in Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane, Australia on Wednesday.

“It was a privilege to lay a floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane, Australia today. Remembering the Father of the Nation and his enduring philosophy of peace and non-violence,” Margherita shared on X.

As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, Margherita also planted a sapling, calling it a “suitable tribute” to PM Modi on his 75th birthday.

“In alignment with Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s initiative #EkPedMaaKeNaam, I planted a sapling this afternoon at Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane, Australia. A fitting tribute on our beloved Prime Minister’s birthday as we are inspired to care for Mother Earth while honoring our mothers,” Margherita wrote on X.

Previously, Margherita concluded an official visit to Papua New Guinea, where he represented PM Modi at the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

He met with Micronesia President Wesley Simina on the sidelines of the events. “It was a pleasure to meet Hon’ble Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, in Port Moresby during PNGAt50 celebrations,” Simina posted on X.

Margherita also had a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Papua New Guinea.

Sharing a picture of Albanese and himself on X, he remarked, “Glad to meet Hon’ble Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, in Port Moresby during the PNGAt50 commemorative events.”

During the visit, Margherita conveyed greetings from the Government of India to Papua New Guinea PM James Marape on the occasion of their 50th Independence anniversary. They discussed various facets of their bilateral relationship and explored avenues for enhancing ties between India and Papua New Guinea.

Earlier, the Indian Naval Ship INS Kadmatt took part in the 50th Anniversary events of Papua New Guinea, including the fleet review from August 30 to September 8.

President Droupadi Murmu also sent a letter to Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, extending warm greetings from the Government and people of India on their 50th Independence anniversary, as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Margherita also relayed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s best wishes to his Papua New Guinea counterpart Justin Tkatchenko.

He participated in various events commemorating Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day, including the Flag Raising Ceremony at Independence Hill.

On the sidelines of the 50th Independence Day events, the MoS (PM) engaged in brief interactions with Hon‘ble Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Hon’ble Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, as stated by the MEA.

He also addressed members of the Indian diaspora at a community event hosted at the High Commission of India in Port Moresby, reiterating the Government of India’s strong commitment to the welfare of the Indian diaspora. During his visit, he interacted with Papua New Guinea’s business community, including notable textile entrepreneurs.

“Following the landmark 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in May 2023 in Port Moresby, the visit of MOS (PM) to Papua New Guinea was an opportunity to further our engagement with Pacific Island Countries (PICs),” the MEA statement added.