Editor,

Please allow me to express my warmest greetings and best wishes to all Rwandans in the country and in different parts of the world, on the occasion of the 20th Liberation Anniversary.

As so aptly conveyed by the this year’s theme, "Together We Prosper”, the people of Rwanda, under the able guidance and visionary leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, have worked together to prove to the world that in spite of the devastation caused by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandans have overcome all hardships, faced enormous challenges and have emerged victorious and prosperous.

It is always said that freedom and liberation comes at a price. This small, but beautiful country, unfortunately had to pay an enormous price with over one million innocent lives being lost in just one hundred days.

The policies introduced by the Government of Rwanda to enable reconciliation have encouraged the people to put the past behind them and live together in peace and harmony. For instance, the unique initiative, "Umuganda”, has inculcated in the hearts and minds of all people living in the country a deep sense of cleanliness.

Good governance and zero tolerance to corruption, so strongly advocated by the Government, have enabled the country to make a distinct mark in the international arena.

It is my firm belief that India and Rwanda, working together and collaborating in various programmes, will make both countries more prosperous and help in achieving Vision 2020 ahead of time.

Long live Rwanda!

Clarence Fernandes, Mumbai, India