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On Sunday morning, April 7, Lisbon witnessed a momentous occasion, the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu for the first leg of her four-day State visits to Portugal and the Slovak Republic. This visit marked the first by an Indian president in nearly three decades.
The President touched down at the Figo Maduro military airbase, where she was greeted warmly by Puneet Roy Kundal, India's Ambassador to Portugal, and Joao Ribeiro de Almeida, Portugal's Ambassador to India. The visit coincides with the golden jubilee of the two countries' re-established diplomatic relationship, making it a watershed moment in their shared history since 1498. The arrival became a milestone event and along with her counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, engaged in delegation talks.
The following day, President Murmu, along with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the Indian Ambassador, and Leonor Beleza, President of the Champalimaud Foundation, met with 40 Indian doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. These scholars, representing various institutions and universities across Portugal, had an exclusive opportunity to interact with the President in an inspiring session. President Murmu encouraged the researchers to make contributions to the vision of “Viksit Bharat". Her guidance resonated deeply, as she addressed their questions and shared insights on diverse aspects of their work and its potential impacts on society.
Q: Honourable President, this is your first visit to Portugal, and it has been 27 years since a President of India visited Portugal, how do you see this significant occasion?
A: First and foremost, I thank Portugal for inviting me. I am delighted to meet all the researchers on my first visit. It has been 50 years since the re-establishment of this friendship between these two nations, and it is truly iconic. Together, we are giving a new dimension to this relationship, which transcends over 500 years. My mission is to carry this forward even further, and you too share the responsibility to ensure its progress. Thank you for choosing Portugal as your place of study. You are also an ambassador for this country. Be a responsible citizen and make our flag fly high!
Q: On your first visit to Portugal, we would like to know how was your travel experience.
A: Portugal is a beautiful country with incredibly friendly people. Our reunion with them has been going strong for 50 years now, and their generosity, support, and humility truly stand out. Perhaps that’s why even you chose Portugal to study because you were too inspired by these admirable qualities. I would like to add that Portugal’s stunning landscapes and natural beauty have a striking resemblance to our own country, making it feel even more special. I loved the time I spent here around the city of Lisbon, it was truly breath-taking and a joy to be around. Over the years, we have been collaborating with them in various fields, from science and technology to security and defence, and much more. What I admire most about this relationship is the warmth and camaraderie they have shown.
Q: What message would you like to give PhD and Postdoctoral researchers living here?
A: Portugal and India have shared a deep and enduring friendship that has lasted for centuries, built on mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values. As students here, strive for academic excellence, because education is a powerful tool for advancing and innovating. Contribute positively to the society and community here in Portugal, as your efforts will reflect not only on this nation but also on the image of India as a country that nurtures responsible and talented individuals. By excelling in your endeavours and embracing this responsibility, you honour the legacy of this friendship while also shaping our future. And I believe through this you contribute to a brighter future for both nations.
Q: We are proud to have a women president, could you say more about women empowerment in India and could you also give some advice for our women living here in Portugal and outside India?
A: That's an excellent question. As a woman myself, I am truly proud of how our women are making us proud, not just within our country but also on the global stage. In our culture, we revere women and hold them in the highest regard, considering them equal to God. I have had the privilege of serving as a governor and now as the president. However, I am not claiming to be the only woman to hold such a position in India, our country has been home to countless strong and inspiring women who have paved the way from Presidents, chief ministers, governors and speakers. I am particularly thrilled to note that 95% of gold medallists in top Indian universities today are women. This remarkable achievement showcases how our country is actively supporting and promoting women to step forward and contribute to society. Even then it is important to remember that the progress of our country requires the efforts of both men and women working together hand in hand.
My advice to you is to be responsible, stay strong, and strive for excellence in your studies and research. Let your actions inspire others, by doing so, you play a vital role in strengthening the bridge of progress and inspiring more women to come forward.
Q:How do we become a good citizen, here in Portugal, India or anywhere in the world?
A: You are the present and future of our country. India has never sought to conquer other nations, and it never will. However, we aspire to conquer the world with love and humility, winning hearts wherever we go. Like I said before, even though we deploy an ambassador to represent you in a country, I want you all to be ambassadors for our country too wherever you go. I encourage you to embody this spirit even here in Portugal. It is deeply rooted in our culture that we, as responsible citizens, must behave kindly and respectfully to others. Let your love and actions reflect our values, allowing the world to judge India through you. As sons and daughters of India, you have the responsibility to make our flag fly high through your work, humility and achievements. Let us together and through you take the name of our country to even greater heights.
Following the visit, both countries have promised to strengthen ties and pave the way for future collaborations, fostering a spirit of unity and progress. After the brief session with the researchers, the President also met with community leaders of India in Portugal. Also, as part of the auspicious occasion and golden jubilee celebrations, both Presidents jointly released a commemorative stamp marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and Portugal in Lisbon.
