gathered for the opening ceremony of the India-Myanmar Mobile Training Teams initiative, a vital step in strengthening our bilateral ties and contributing to global peace under the UN flag 🇺🇳 .

As the Head of the Mobile Training Team, it was my privilege to deliver the keynote address, a moment I had prepared for meticulously.

My speech aimed to weave a tapestry of shared history and future aspirations – from the ancient currents of Buddhism that flowed from India to Myanmar, to the vibrant modern connections forged through Bollywood. I spoke of the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, whose principles of non-violence and conflict resolution are now enshrined in UN peacekeeping, and the revolutionary spirit of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, whose journey found resonance on Myanmar soil including the historical speech of Rangoon ”You give me blood and I will give you freedom” .

Also highlighted India’s ascending global role, our G20 Presidency, and our commitment to the Global South, all while underscoring Myanmar’s pivotal place in our ‘Act East Policy.’

As self concluded, handing over the dais to my colleague, Lieutenant Colonel Nivedita Nandal, I felt a sense of quiet satisfaction. The words had flowed, the connections seemed to land.

What followed, however, was truly unexpected and deeply humbling.