Clarence Fernandes, Chairman, Rwanda Renaissance, was conferred with the "Indo Global Lifetime Achievement Award” for his contribution towards promoting investments and tourism into Rwanda.

At a function, in Mumbai, Prof. Aftab Anwar Shaikh, President, Indo Global Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, commended the tremendous efforts which have been put in by Fernandes in marketing Remarkable Rwanda here in India.

His citation read: "Indo Global Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Clarence Fernandes, Chairman, Rwanda Renaissance, Mumbai 400 016 India. For promoting quality education and very specifically for taking a multi-million dollar investment from India to Rwanda in the Education Sector and for promoting Accessible Tourism, thereby creating a vibrant and knowledge based community, even among differently abled."

In his acceptance speech Fernandes said: "I dedicate this award to the people of Rwanda and particularly to the Survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi who have worked tirelessly and against all odds to bring the country from where it was immediately after the Genocide, to where it has reached today, after twenty four years."

Fernandes added that the resilience and fortitude of the Rwandan people made this possible.

In conclusion, he quoted the famous words of His Excellency, President Paul Kagame ," We cannot turn the clock back, nor can we undo the harm caused,  but we have the power to determine the future and to ensure that what happened never happens again."

Rwanda Renaissance is laying great stress on promoting "accessible tourism ".

In April this year, a delegation of visually impaired boys came to Rwanda from 04 -to 09 April when they gave a series of commemorative choral performances during Kwibuka 24.

The success of that mission has led to now plan a delegation of visually impaired girls who will give a series of dance performances in August this year.

In addition to the dance performances , a Conference titled " Disability is not Inability " has been planned to encourage differently abled children and youth to always strive for perfection despite their disabilities.

Such initiatives are geared towards enhancing cultural ties between India and Rwanda and giving the disabled the necessary confidence and courage to carry on and make a success of their lives.