60 Great Years. 60 years of understanding and respect for one another;  60 years of true friendship and cooperative efforts; 60 years of building a relationship to last for generations.

After the ruins and destruction of the Second World War, several nations finally attained their much sought independence. On November 16th, 1949 two of these young and vibrant Republics decided to establish ties on a diplomatic level, to formalize their relationship, and to focus on common goals. The signing of the Agreement for Diplomatic Relations established the milestone that charted the history of both nations thereafter.

With the seeds planted in 1949, both countries have nourished their relationship towards a stronger bond that encompassed the exchange of trade, technology, culture, religion, tourism, and personal interaction. Each year has shown the growth in the relationship and each decade has brought new challenges and opportunities for greater cooperation. The history of India-Philippines relations is embellished with inspiring messages and areas of cooperation on all fronts – on the diplomatic level, at the private business sector level, and on personal levels. It has been a source of pride and hope for all.

Both nations have things in common that have contributed to the bond of friendship. The relationship has gone beyond diplomatic agreements. The people have bonded thru the similar words in our vocabulary, our common family values, two cultures deeply rooted in religion, similar life styles, and the common hopes and aspirations of the people. The warmth and respect each one has for the other have made us accept each others’ cultures, societies, and religions; it has contributed to the increase in the immigrant population and gradual disappearance of differences. This is the reason why many Indians now have chosen the Philippines as their new home and have become Filipino citizens. Raj Kapoor, an icon of the India’s Bollywood family says in one of his songs: “”JEENA YAHA MARNA YAHA””. Simply put:  “we will live here and we will die here”

Today, as we reflect on the moment of the signing of Diplomatic Relations in 1949, we realize the foresight and the wisdom of our predecessors. We recognize the work of those who came before us, the institutions who made this possible, and those who today, make it a never ending work in progress. Our 60th Anniversary celebration reignites the spirit of solidarity and unity that characterized the partnership and which remains equally strong today.

We look forward to the next 60 years … with each year greater than the last!!

JOINTLY PLANNED BY THE COMMITTEE  

INDIAN Chamber of Commerce
BMA Foundation
BUSINESSMEN Club
F.I.B.L.
FIL-INDIAN Fellowship
HINDU Temple lnc.
INDIAN Ladies Club
KHALSA Diwan [Indian Sikh Temple]
MAHAVEER Foundation
P.I. SEVA Foundation
YUVA Kendra/Merry Maidens Club

NAMASTE  PHILIPPINES !!  MABUHAY  INDIA!!

Thank you. Your Excellencies
For your unwavering support.
Philippine Ambassador to India
H.E. Francisco BENEDICTO

India Ambassador to Philippines
H.E. Rajeet MITTER

ACTIVITIES IN 2009

60 Indian Nationals applying for Filipino citizenship.
60 Filipino & Indian Birth YEAR Celebrants (born in 1949) jointly to cut a 60 lbs cake.
60 Travel Agents in India will be   promoting Tourism between Philippines & India.

DONATIONS*
60 Wheelchairs
60 Cataract Surgeries including professional fees.

60 Prosthesis [Artificial] legs

60 Prizes to be won
Donor’s presence requested but not compulsory.

*Targeted