MESSAGE

31st May 2022

My congratulations to Hong Kong Desi, part of International Desi, for publishing this 3rd edition of the Hong Kong Guide, a comprehensive one-stop resource for Hong Kong residents.

An important part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations of 75 years of India’s Independence is recognising the contribution of the global Indian diaspora to India’s journey, by serving as a living bridge connecting India to the world. Hong Kong has been home to Indians for nearly two centuries, growing over the years to about 40,000 Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin. It is heartening to see them become both well-integrated into Hong Kong society as well as continuing to maintain deep and abiding connections with our motherland and its rich civilizational heritage, traditions, and culture. Under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government’s outreach to the Indian diaspora has also evolved and we are moving towards the concept of a ‘Global Indian’.

Last year was a difficult one. The second Covid wave in April-May 2021 put immense stress on India’s healthcare infrastructure. The reality is that no infrastructure, even of the most advanced economies, was able to withstand a crisis of such enormous proportions. In India, our leadership rose to the challenge, efforts were made on a war-footing to meet all requirements, and the government’s endeavours were supplemented by initiatives of the states, private sector healthcare facilities, civil society, and the individual heroism of every Indian citizen. In this extraordinary mission, our diaspora in Hong Kong also made timely contributions by supplying medical essentials generously. During the pandemic, the strenghts of the Indian pharmaceutical industry have also proved to be an asset for the entire world, with Indian-made vaccines meeting two-thirds of the world’s requirements. In March 2022, India rolled out one more indigenously manufactured anti-Covid vaccine, Corbevax, allowing us to expand vaccination to children aged 12 to 14 years. Broad vaccination coverage has helped to mitigate the impact of future Covid waves in India.

Although the pandemic regulations in Hong Kong have led to some restricions in the Consulate’s usual business and cultural events, there were several flagship Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav events organised by the Consulate in the past year, which were energised by enthusiastic participation of the Indian community in Hong Kong. We are committed to continuing the Consulate’s events and activities this year, even if in modified formats to comply with local public health regulations, and I hope that all of you are able to join us to make them a success.

I take this opportunity to express my appreciation and admiration for the wonderful Indian community in Hong Kong, which embodies India’s founding spirit of unity in diversity, staying united and strong in these trying times by coming together to provide valuable support to each other and to respective Governments. My best wishes for a peaceful and healthy year ahead. Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. Jai Hind.

Priyanka Chauhan

Consul General of India to Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR