Rwandan community in India mark the 20th anniversary of Genocide against the Tutsi

Editor, THIS LETTER is in reference to the articles which have been appearing in The New Times, covering the journey of the Kwibuka Flame, as it has travelled through different parts of the country and even through different parts of the world. Your newspaper has enabled Rwandans and friends of Rwanda to follow, closely, this important 20th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Please allow me to share with your esteemed readers that His Excellency, Mr. Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India recently launched the Kwibuka 20 Programme in Mumbai in collaboration with the Centre for African Studies, University of Mumbai. The event commenced with the lighting of candles, followed by observing a minute of silence in memory of one million innocent Rwandans who were brutally killed during the Genocide. The Kwibuka 20 documentary was then shown, so that the gathering, which consisted of members of the Consular Corps, businessmen, students, faculty from the University of Mumbai and media could get a glimpse of what happened during those dark days. Dr. Naresh Chandra (Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai), Dr. Manendra Sahu (Director for African Studies) and Mr. Prakash Jain (Honorary Consul for Rwanda) were among the dignitaries who spoke during the event. High Commissioner Rwamucyo’s most inspiring lecture on “Rwanda – the Story of Death, Resurrection and Resilience” was extremely well received. He put in proper perspective the immense growth and development made by the country over the last twenty years. The High Commissioner explained how this turnaround was achieved with the pro-active support of the Government of Rwanda, under the visionary and charismatic leadership of His Excellency, President Paul Kagame. Such initiatives will enable Rwanda to climb to even greater heights, while at the same time educating the world that “Never Again” will prevent such a genocide take place anywhere. Clarence Fernandes (RDB India Representative), Mumbai, India

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Rwandan community in India mark the 20th anniversary of Genocide against the Tutsi