By Mewati Sitaram
In a gesture marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China, China’s Acting Consul General in Mumbai, Her Excellency Wang Awei, met with Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan and presented him with a specially curated commemorative envelope. The envelope, symbolising the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations, was originally released as part of milestone celebrations held in Mumbai.
The envelope was initially scheduled to be unveiled by the Governor during a formal ceremony commemorating the anniversary at the Trident Hotel. However, due to prior commitments, Governor Radhakrishnan was unable to attend the event and was represented by his secretary, Dr. Prashant Narnaware, IAS, who delivered the Governor’s message to the gathering. Also present during the Raj Bhavan meeting was Xiong Fangxing, Consul at the Chinese Consulate in Mumbai.
The meeting took place during a special diplomatic reception hosted by the Governor for members of the consular corps. Organised by the State Protocol Department on the initiative of Minister of Protocol Jaykumar Rawal, the reception saw participation from representatives of over 70 countries. Governor Radhakrishnan, accompanied by Minister Rawal, personally welcomed the attendees, underlining Maharashtra’s commitment to nurturing global partnerships.
The high-profile event was attended by several dignitaries, including Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, and Textile Minister Sanjay Sawkare. Senior officials such as Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary (Protocol) Manisha Mhaiskar, Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, and BMC Administrator Bhushan Gagrani were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Wang Awei said, “The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India is a moment of reflection and renewal. This commemorative envelope symbolizes not just our shared history, but our enduring commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect. I am honoured to present it to the Hon’ble Governor as a gesture of goodwill and friendship between our two great nations.”
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
