FECAS - ECSVS Forum

Interview with Indian high commissioner Sanjay Panda

07-November-2014
‘Indian investors should look at Seychelles as an oasis’



"We have got excellent ties, but it is important that we now work very hard to take it to the next level,” Sanjay Kumar Panda told the media immediately after presenting his credentials to President James Michel as the new high commissioner of India to Seychelles.

A postgraduate in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Delhi (1983), Mr Panda said this on August 12, 2014 – 12 hours after he had arrived in the country.

“It is very important to have the connectivity and people to people contact to develop tourism, infrastructure, to get more people to visit Seychelles for interactions. That is how the two countries can really come closer; for now the governments are close, that’s why it is important for the people also to come close to each other," added High Commissioner Panda during the interview in the State House gardens.

A career Indian diplomat who joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in the year 1991, Mr Panda was the deputy chief of mission at the embassy of India in Tokyo (Japan) from July 2010 till July 2014 before his current assignment as High Commissioner of India to Seychelles.

Late last week, Seychelles Nation met High Commissioner Panda for an interview and he willingly answered our questions.

Seychelles Nation: High Commissioner Panda, how can you describe the relations between Seychelles and India?

Mr Sanjay Panda: The bilateral relationship between Seychelles and India has been excellent. We have the traditional linkages, there is a strong Indian community here and a number of Seychellois of Indian origin and we have recognised that there is a strategic convergence between our two countries.

We have cooperated very well in the field of defence and security, not only in anti-piracy operations but also in the surveillance of the huge 1.3 million square kilometres of the country’s exclusive economic zone. What I intend to do in the next three years and it is what I mentioned on day one immediately after presenting my credentials is I would like to see the relationship diversify into various other spheres. I want the relationship which has matured now to jump to the next level and this is why I feel we need to have enhanced people-to-people contact. This is how you really have a relationship with a very strong foundation and which is actually for the long term.

The current relationship is extremely well placed. We have no issues between our two countries. In fact Seychelles and India have been partners not only in various bilateral relations, but also in the multilateral and regional arena. Seychelles and India have supported and appreciated each other’s position and this speaks for the level of understanding that we have. India has recognised the requirements of Seychelles, so any partnership is actually an appreciation of the recognition of what your partner requires. It is very interesting to note that over 1,000 Seychellois out of a population of 90,000 have attended some kind of capacity building training under the Itec (Indian Technical and Economic Corporation) programme which I think is remarkable. This means that more than 1% of the population has been to India and attended training there. We also have senior officers both from the defence forces and civilian sphere who have come on deputation under the Itec programme to help in the operations of the military and other areas like forensic science and law.

There are different areas where we have existing ties which are working very well.
But I feel people-to-people contact is important to have in developing tourism. Economically and commercially what we have done is not enough. It is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot of potential for Indian investment coming into Seychelles. This is something we should focus on, but at the same time in India they think Seychelles is a small country, the market is small and so how do they benefit. We are telling them to look at Seychelles as an oasis, for its good living standards, there is no problem here, law and order is reasonably well. They should look at Seychelles as a base for exporting their products to other parts of Africa.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=243550

Seychelles Coast Guard gets new patrol ship

Constant is the name of the new patrol ship that has joined the fleet of the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) unit of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF).

The ship has been gifted to Seychelles by the government of India and the handing over ceremony took place yesterday morning – exactly five months after the unit witnessed the commissioning of another patrol ship – Etoile – it received from the People’s Republic of China. The coastguards now have four patrol vessels in its fleet measuring more than 40 metres long. The other three are Topaz, Andromache and Etoile. Both La Flèche and Vigilante are over 30 metres long.

Present at the handing over was President James Michel, who is also the Commander in Chief of the SPDF, Vice-President Danny Faure, ministers, Indian high commissioner to Seychelles Sanjay Panda, chief of staff of the Indian navy Admiral R. K. Dhowan, members of the diplomatic corps, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Herminie, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, chief of defence forces Brigadier Leopold Payet and other high officials of the government, SPDF and Indian naval force.

President Michel had this to say to the local media: “As I have always said and within the framework of the blue economy, the Indian Ocean is ours and Seychelles lies in the middle of this ocean. Then we have India, which has been an important partner to Seychelles for many years and also forms part of this ocean as its coastline lies in the Indian Ocean. Therefore it is important that we join forces, collaborate together to defend the ocean and benefit from its exploitation.”

The president noted that the partnership between India and Seychelles is a concrete example of how south-south countries, developing countries, can get together to harmonise their positions while at the same time collaborate in defending their interests.

“Today India has given us another patrol ship and this is very important as it will also provide us with the capacity to work better and play our role in maintaining a good level of security in the Indian Ocean maritime space,” said President Michel.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=243580

Indian Navy chief of staff received at State House
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=243579

Bata is back!

11-November-2014
Many of us, especially of the older generation, will remember the Bata Shoe Box which was once situated in Victoria.

After the shop closed down, many Seychellois had surely remained nostalgic of the family-owned global footwear and fashion accessory manufacturer and retailer, which has its headquarters located in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The good news and talk of the town yesterday was that “Bata is back” as friends and family members called or texted each other, inviting them to visit the new shop situated in the Grocer’s Supermarket owned by the Ramani Group.

Even though a ‘Bata’ sign board is yet to be visible at the front of the supermarket, the shoe corner attracted a large number of clients as it opened its doors yesterday morning. Witnessing the preparations for the opening of the shop on Sunday while doing their usual shopping, some customers had even bought their new pair of shoes there and then!

Nor was there any pomp and ceremony with official speeches for the opening yesterday. This was done in a practical and natural way as customers filled the shop since 9am.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=243606

India celebrates 50 years of technical and economic cooperation with its partners

17-November-2014


In 1964 India initiated a programme to provide capacity-building to other developing countries. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (Itec) is 50 years old this year.

To mark the occasion on Itec Day, the Indian high commissioner to Seychelles Sanjay Panda, on Friday evening organised a gathering at India House, Au Cap.
It brought together the Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam, key government and defence forces officials, all beneficiaries of the Itec programmes, as well as other guests and friends of India.

During the evening guests were able to view videos retracing some of the achievements and successes of the Itec programme.
Addressing guests at the event Mr Panda said “the Itec programme is the flagship capacity-building programme of the government of India which has trained thousands of foreign officials in India every year”.

“It has been the most important vehicle for sharing our knowledge, skills and expertise with the rest of the world,” Mr Panda said.
Mr Panda noted that last year over 10,000 Itech scholarships were offered to 161 partner countries.

He also highlighted the fact that India’s assistance to other developing countries in the area of capacity building even pre-dates India’s emergence as an independent nation as it was way back in 1949 when the first batch of 75 fellowship students came to study in India.

“The number has continued to grow in the following years and the scholarship programme continued to enlarge and expand until Itec was born in 1964.

“Today the Itec is synonymous with cooperation and partnership for mutual benefits. It is response -oriented and it addresses the needs of developing countries,” Mr Panda pointed out.

“Thanks to Itec, there is now a visible and growing awareness about the competence of India as a provider of technical know-how and expertise.

Mr Panda said India is committed to ensuring continuous and sustained interaction with the government of Seychelles in identifying new areas of human resource and infrastructure development.

“To date about 1000 Seychellois professionals have benefitted from the Itec programmes,” Mr Panda said.
For his part Minister Adam said the Itech programme is today an exemplary illustration of south-south cooperation.

He commended the Indian high commission for taking the initiative every year to bring together all those who have benefitted from the Itech courses over the years.

“What is more commendable is India’s willingness to share its achievements and knowledge with the rest of the world,” Minister Adam pointed out.
He further noted that such an occasion every year also “represents an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the unique friendship which India and Seychelles share, a friendship built on shared values”.

Minister Adam took the opportunity to express “profound gratitude to the Indian government for the support extended to our country over the years in its quest to give the very best to the Seychellois people”.

The Itech has been focused on addressing the needs of developing countries and has enabled many countries including Small Island Developing States (Sids) like Seychelles to link up with Indian institutions with expertise and of international standing.

Furthermore Minister Adam pointed out that the Sids summit in Samoa in September and last week’s Aosis meeting held here have shown very clearly that the need for cooperation between nations is more relevant than ever as the international community continues to be tested by many challenges.

It is to be noted that through the Itech programme Seychelles has benefitted from training for numerous government officials from different sectors, training of our military personnel and the deputation of numerous Indian experts in various fields such as finance, health, education defence to name but some.

Minister Adam and Mr Panda then proposed a toast to the long lasting friendship and strong partnership between Seychelles and India.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=243667

Letter to the Editor - Visa for India

26-December-2014
Now that we have a direct flight of Air Seychelles to Mumbai, I am sure that many Seychellois would like to take this opportunity to visit the wonderful and magical country of India but the idea of having to obtain a visa is a bit of a setback to a certain extent.

Whilst we are happy to welcome so many of our Indian friends to our shores on a free-entry basis without requiring a visa, would it not be fair and proper, in the spirit of mutual friendship, that we, too, travelling to India, would be exempted of a visa?

It really calls for reciprocation, in my opinion. May I therefore humbly appeal to the Indian government with whom we have excellent relations to follow the good example of Sri Lanka and China in waiving visa requirements for Seychellois citizens...

John L. Adam

Indians celebrate 66th Republic Day

27-January-2015



The Indian community of Seychelles came together yesterday morning at the India House, Au Cap, The flag raising ceremony to mark India’s 66th Republic Dayunder driving rain to commemorate the 66th Republic Day of India.

The day started with the traditional flag raising ceremony and the singing of the national anthem by the women of the Indian embassy. High commissioner Sanjay Panda proceeded by reading extracts from the message of the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.

In his message, Mr Mukherjee wrote that “twenty sixth January holds an everlasting place in our national memory because it is the day when modern India was born. Under Mahatma Gandhi's moral and political leadership, the National Congress passed the Purna Swaraj resolution demanding complete independence from British rule in December 1929. Gandhiji organised nationwide celebrations on January 26, 1930 as Independence Day. From then on, the nation took a pledge on this day every year to carry on the freedom struggle till we attained it.”

He added: “Exactly twenty years later, in 1950, we adopted our charter of modernity – the Constitution. Tragically, Gandhiji had been martyred two years before, but the framework of a Constitution that has made India a role model for today's world was constructed out of his philosophy. Its essence lay in four principles: democracy; freedom of faith; gender equality and an economic upsurge for those trapped in the curse of poverty. These were made Constitutional obligations. Gandhiji's talisman for the country's rulers was simple and powerful ‘whenever you are in doubt...recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself...will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?’.”

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=244327

Printec rewards long serving staff

29-January-2015

Alfred Quatre (left) and James Talma, the two longest serving employees at Printec

• Alfred Quatre, James Talma celebrate 42 years in the company

The printing company Printec Press Holdings has rewarded its long serving staff.

Employees who have served the company for 12 years or more received a certificate and cash reward during a gala dinner at the Coco d’Or Hotel at Beau Vallon on Saturday evening.

Among the 29 long-serving workers who were rewarded, Alfred Quatre and James Talma have been with the company for 42 long years. They joined Printec back in 1972 as junior employees and now respectively occupy the posts of production manager and print technician. They recall that 42 years ago when Seychelles was still a British colony, their salary was R115 per month.

Mr Quatre, who was a double winner as he also went home with the star prize from the night’s raffle, affirms that he did not want to remain a “labourer” and this is why he persevered to climb the promotion ladder. This, in spite feeling that he at times deserved better.

Added to his devotion, he also considers himself as a lucky person.

“I am so lucky. I do not know why I am so lucky tonight,” he reflected.
Both workers, who have urged their younger colleagues to take their faithfulness as an example and show love for their job, have promised to stay with Printec until retirement. They have however stated that this will not happen before some more years.

It would seem that Printec has also been faithful to its workers as although its ownership and management have changed on three occasions since 1976, 14 other employees have been in post for the last 25 years. They are: Emmanuel Benoit (38 years), Julien Lagrenade, Mervin Hypolite, Jemmy Padayachy (35 years), William Nassib (34 years), Rena Mousbé (33 years), Lina Labrosse (31 years), Molly Omblime (29 years), Guilly Chang Waye (28 years), Philomena Agathine, Peter Nicette (27 years), Raymonde Athanase (26 years), Linsay Anacoura and Heribert Derjacques (25 years).

Thirteen others whose names follow have worked for Printec for between 12 and 23 years: Claudette Beauchamp (23 years), Barry Kilindo (18 years), Roasham Norshir, Nichol Andre, Flossel Sirame, (16 years), Guy Bertin (15 years), Francisca Pointe, Anne Lozaique, Jerry Morel, James Doway (14 years), Marie-Ange Songoire (13 years), Brian Bianchi and Jeline Rangasamy (12 years).

The business’ current owner Dr V. Ramadoss has congratulated and thanked the employees for their long service.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=244349

Procession honours Hindu deity

04-February-2015

Traffic around the centre of Victoria came to an absolute standstill yesterday morning as the Hindu Kavadi procession wound its way from the Vinayagar Temple on Quincy Street attracting a large crowd of onlookers.

The colourful Thaipoosam Kavadi marks the victory of Lord Murugan, the Hindu deity, over evil, during which male devotees pierced their skin and tongues with metal rods and danced like in a trance carrying kavadis, the extravagantly large structures attached to their bodies. This is a sign of penance asking for the god’s forgiveness and blessing while the women and children carried pots of milk and other offerings on their heads.

The chairperson of the Hindu Kovil Sangam, Veera Pandiyan Pillay, said the ceremony is an important one and it is a time for prayers during which devotees ask the god’s blessing for prosperity, good health, peace and good luck.

The hour-long procession wound its way along Revolution Avenue, Harrison Street, Lodge Street and back to the temple were more prayers were held.
This was followed by a lunch for all devotees and other guests at the back of Deenu’s Supermarket where Mr Pillay said the Hindu Kovil Sangam is planning to build a cultural centre.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=244406

Indian association donates dictionaries to schools

05-February-2015

All upper primary (P5 & P6) and lower secondary (S1 & S2) schools on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue will be issued with picture dictionaries thanks to a generous donation by the Indian Association of Seychelles.

The hand-over of the donation took place last week at the Ministry of Education hall where all head teachers were attending a training workshop on ‘Formal appraisal’.

The one thousand Usborne illustrated English dictionaries were bought in the UK at a cost of R350,000.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=244419

Indian PM Modi to visit Seychelles

05-March-2015
Prime Minister Modi
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will be in Seychelles for an official visit on March 10 and 11 next week.

The visit to Seychelles is the first leg of Mr Modi’s tour of four Indian Ocean countries.

Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President James Michel at State House and also address members of the Indian community and the Seychellois public at the Palais Des Sport, Roche Caiman at 11am on Wednesday March 11.

Prime Minister Modi is expected to leave Seychelles later that same day.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=244700