By Mewati Sitaram
The Consulate General of China in Mumbai hosted a reception to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, on September 26, 2024, at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The event commenced with the playing of the national anthems of India and China.
His Excellency, Kong Xianhua Consul General delivered a speech during the event. Additionally, Ms. Manisha Mhaiskar (IAS), Chief Protocol Officer of Government of Maharashtra, and Akanksha Mishra, an Indian student studying Chinese, also shared their remarks. The reception welcomed over 300 guests from diverse backgrounds in India, along with representatives from Chinese enterprises and the overseas Chinese community.
In his speech, Consul General Kong highlighted the significant achievements of China’s development over the past 75 years, as well as key highlights of the Chinese economy in the first half of this year. He noted the successful convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which has outlined an ambitious plan for comprehensive reforms to advance Chinese modernization. This progress, he stated, will open up new opportunities for cooperation with countries around the globe. He emphasized that the 1.4 billion people of China are eager to work together with the 1.4 billion people of India for a brighter future.
Ms. Manisha Mhaiskar praised China’s remarkable development achievements and expressed a strong desire to enhance cooperation with China. The Indian student shared her personal experiences in China and conveyed her enthusiasm for contributing to the exchanges and collaboration between China and India.
The diplomats of the Consulate General and representatives of overseas Chinese sang “We are Walking on the Broad Road” in a spirited and inspiring chorus. The guests talked about friendship and cooperation at the reception, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly.
The event was attended by diplomats from various countries based in Mumbai, prominent scholar Sudheendra Kulkarni, Rajendra Jadhav from the Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis Research Bureau, family members of Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis, notable figures from the business community, leading media personalities, and filmmaker Nagesh Bhosle.