I.S. Saluja

     GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): In a productive visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between India and Honduras, Indian Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra visited Honduras from 16-18 March and Puerto Barrios and Petén region of Eastern and Northern Guatemala from 19-22 March. On 17 March, during his visit, Dr. Mohapatra met with Private Secretary of President and key ministers in Honduras, including the Foreign Minister, Minister of Presidency, Culture Minister, Economy Minister, and Health Minister, to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore opportunities for collaboration. He also participated in Holi Festival celebrations in Valle de Angeles on 18 March, Honduras, and Puerto Barrios Guatemala, on 19 March, which marked the vibrant cultural exchange between the nations. Furthermore, Ambassador also participated in the Dr Sanjiv Goyal and Om Foundation organized health camps in the Petén region of Guatemala on 20-21 March and an Indian Film Festival, on 21 March, emphasizing the importance of healthcare cooperation and promoting appreciation for Indian arts in the region.

The meetings held great importance as both Honduras and India have been striving to fortify their diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. Dr. Mohapatra’s visit comes at a crucial time when Honduras is looking to diversify its international partnerships. During his meeting with the Honduran Foreign Minister, Mr. Enrique Reina and Minister of Presidency, Mr. Rodolfo Pastor, both sides emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in various sectors such as commercial, cultural, development cooperation & capacity building under the ITEC programme. The meeting with the Hon’ble Private Secretary of President of Honduras, Mr. Hector Zelaya focused on the areas of mutual interest including India’s development cooperation, capacity building under ITEC and ICCR scholarships and commercial and cultural ties.

During his visit, Ambassador also met with Mr. Jose Matheu, the Honduran Health Minister, where they discussed the importance of cooperation in the healthcare sector. The conversation centered around sharing best practices, strengthening public health systems, and exploring potential collaborations in pharmaceutical especially related to Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and e-Sanjeevani (telemedicine). The meeting with Ms. Annarella Velez, the Culture Minister, focused on the potential for cultural exchange and collaboration, recognizing the rich heritage of both countries.

Following the series of productive meetings, on 18 March, Ambassador and the Honduran Culture Minister along with members of Indian community and friends of India in Honduras participated in the Holi Celebrations organized by the Embassy in scenic Obrero Park in Valle de Angeles, a picturesque city in Honduras. In addition to the Holi festivities in Valle de Angeles, another celebration took place in eastern Guatemalan port city of Puerto Barrios organized by Indian Embassy and National Youth Council (CONJUVE), Guatemala, where around 500 young people and people of Indian origin gathered to participate in the celebration. The event was also graced by Hon’ble Governor, Mr. Byron Solares, Hon’ble Mayor, Mr. Hugo Sarceño.

Subsequent to the Holi celebrations, on 20-21 March, Ambassador participated in the health camps organized by Dr. Sanjay Goyal & Om Foundation in San Luis, Poptun, La Libertad & San Benito in Peten region, north Guatemala. Their efforts have brought healthcare closer to those in need & will make a lasting impact on the community. In addition, the Embassy, CONJUVE Guatemala & Flores Municipality jointly organized screening of Indian Film Mary Kom in city of Flores, graced by presence of Ambassador, Mayor Mayra Altan and 500 young people. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Indian culture through magic of cinema.

The visit by the Indian Ambassador has been well-received by Honduras and Peten and Puerto Barrios region of Guatemala, and it is expected that it will pave the way for fruitful partnerships in the near future.

Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mohapatra recently organized a Yoga camp with the participation of 5000 persons , and the wondrous part of it is Guatemala City has just about 50 Indian origin families. And the Holi celebrations earlier drew another 5000 plus participants. Obviously, a lot of effort must have gone into organizing the events. A couple of months ago, I was present at a large Indian Handicrafts exhibition the embassy had organized which was inaugurated by the acting President of Guatemala. The large contingent of artisans and entrepreneurs were extremely happy to find enthusiastic buyers of their products. The embassy also organized during the exhibition , an attractive fashion show which witnessed the presence of a number of dignitaries which included Guatemala ministers and diplomats of many countries. India is surely making its presence felt in this part of the world.