Dear Excellency,
I must tell you, I feel privileged and honored to be a part of the official visit of the President of India H.E. Shri Pranab Mukherjee to Africa (Ghana, Ivory Coast and Namibia) from 12th – 18th June 2016. This visit has exuded a flavor of rhymes and has given me courage to put forward this letter.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have preconceived notions of Africa as beforehand spread by other media, the news of devastation, tragedy, poverty and death about African countries to rest of the world. It’s high time that discrimination against Africa and Africans needs to be addressed at this point.
I’m curious to say that Africa, at present, is a mixed bag, full of surprises and I am without doubt, convinced that the best of Africa is yet to come. The continent is promptly upsetting deep-seated stereotypes to present a fresh image of economic opportunity. Across the region, there are centers of entrepreneurialism, internationally funded capital projects, home grown businesses as well as passionate and skilled youth looking forward to pool their talents.
It is in fact not a story of death and depression as described by the media, for sure. Investors need to develop a new frame of reference for Africa. In fact, there are 54 separate countries, each with its own inspiring story, and yet too many people still think it is one country.
The overruling appearance of Africa eclipsed by poverty, disease and deficiency of every kind reveals an undoubted truth, it was accepted, but hides the reality of an Africa growing at more than five percent on average, raising resources and flourishing. The hidden one is an image of a truth little known and less agreed.
Irrespective of what and why, the very fact is that this continent seems penalized to be the only source of negative news. I agree, not that all these facts are completely false – but Africa has mostly been the scene for a lot of “bad news” only.
More interesting by far, however, is what’s going to be in this continent in the coming years.
This comes with my wholehearted felicitations. I mean and say that in sheer sincerity. Excellency, your distinctive eminence - your approach which is more sensible and practical, and away from grand gestures is commendable.
You are fairly passionate for Africa, and we all know that.
I am a young journalist still learning the ropes. In this day and age, people especially youth are beginning to rely on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated. With all my efforts, I want change how people look at Africa.
My LinkedIn posts, which most of the time embraces an update feature on Africa permit my associates to debate their opinions, whereabouts on the concerned subject.
Currently I am associated with THE TIMES OF AFRICA – a business magazine with the aim of bringing Africa to the World. Laying the foundation stone of our magazine back in 2008, little did we know that in such a short span of time our hard work and meticulous approach would get us so much exposure leaving its shadows in almost all parts of Africa.
"Change your thoughts and you change your world” said Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. I strongly believe that by changing our own perspective towards this rising continent- Africa, we can easily bring a lot of change.
I have strong belief in the power of both words and art, and their ability to provoke reactions from the audience.
Your Upcoming Visit to Africa:
Today, all eyes are on the booming progress in the African continent. There are a plethora of reasons as to why invest in this shining continent. With a steady economic growth that the continent has accomplished in the past decade, African countries have made enormous advancement and are now one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Soon you would be initiating a trip to the beautiful and aspiring continent to further consolidate relations with these countries (South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania) as well as to boost ties with the resource-rich continent.
Under your able leadership, India recently hosted a revolutionary summit – 3rd India Africa Forum Summit attended by delegations from all 54 African countries. I must salute the endeavors of Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs and all the leading chambers of India who are working persistently in bridging the gap between India and Africa.
I am highly obliged by the support that we have received from the Government of India and Africa and most importantly from the Diplomatic Missions.
As they say, life is a cycle that never stops, it is running on its way with constant speed, likewise we are accounting on each and every accomplishment of Africa-India relations.
We went forward endeavoring for excellence in numerous fields after reporting on this beautiful continent- Africa. Honestly, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic to have made it to this point.
I will not keep calm, it’s time to celebrate, and it’s time to spotlight Africa’s diversity, victory, economic latent and cultural significance with the rest of the world.
Excellency, I am cognizant about your policy decision not to take journalists on board. However, I wish to extend my request to bestow me an opportunity to accompany you as a part of media delegation.
I am assertive that you will consider my request.
Sincerely Yours
Kanchi Batra
