TORANA GATE, LITTLE INDIA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the third day of his visit to Malaysia in November, highlighted the cultural ties of India with this southeast nation as he inaugurated Torana Gate, a traditional gateway to Hindu and Buddhist temples. “This Torana is not merely a piece of art on stone. This is connecting the two nations and illustrates the two great cultures,” Mr Modi said while jointly inaugurating the Torana Gate with his Malaysian counterpart Mr Najib Razak at Brickfields, popularly known as Little India.

Mr Modi said the gate was first made by emperor Ashoka in Madhya Pradesh and was dedicated to Lord Buddha. Mr Razak described the gate as a symbol of India-Malaysia friendship. “Torana Gate is a symbol of India-Malaysia friendship. It offers a gateway to one of the oldest civilisations,” he said. Stating that the message of Lord Buddha reverberated across Asia, Mr Modi said the newly inaugurated Torana gate was a milestone in India's relations with Malaysia. “I am sure ties between India and Malaysia will be stronger and deeper in the times to come. The inauguration of the Torana gate shows that India-Malaysia ties are not only economical but also cultural”, he said

The gate in Kuala Lumpur is inspired by the design of the Sanchi Stupa and the entire cost of its construction was borne by India. Of Malaysia's total population of nearly 30 million, two million people are of Indian origin.

MODI LAUDS MALAY INDIANS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November sought to enhance India's connect with its diaspora in Malaysia praising lavishly its accomplishments and making a slew of announcements, including naming a cultural centre here after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He also announced one million US dollar as additional fund to the corpus of the India-Students Trust Fund.

In his address to the diaspora on the second day of his visit to Malaysia, Mr Modi said his government was prepared to work with the Malaysian government to build a memorial to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in Malaysia during World War II. He said India and Malaysia should recognise each other's degrees, on which he would talk with his Malaysian counterpart Mr Najib Razak.

Mr Modi said his government has merged the Overseas Citizen of India and Persons of Indian-Origin cards and made visas life-long. "Besides, Indian-origin up to 4th generation is enough to register for OCI now. This is especially helpful for people like Malay Indians, whose ancestors came here generations ago. Minor children, who are foreign nationals, and foreign spouses can also get OCI status now. We have introduced e-visas that has made travel simpler," he said.

Mr Modi further said that the Indian Government has opened nine visa collection centres in Malaysia. "There is an eMigrate portal to make it easier and safer for workers to go to certain countries." He added that there were times when workers from India get into difficulties here and their welfare and security were at the top of government's concerns. "Last year, we assisted more than 8,000 Indian workers to return home safely."