The 75th Indo-Philippine Cultural and Educational Exchange Summit marked a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties between India and the Philippines.
Held at Gullas College of Medicine Inc., Cebu City, the event celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations under the theme, “GCM Empowering Global Connections: Bridging Education, Health, Culture, and Tourism for a Resilient Future.”
A key highlight was the unveiling of a statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar on the Gullas College campus. Chaired by VG Santhosam, Chairman of VGP Group of Companies, the statue stands as a symbol of Tamil heritage and philosophy, reflecting India’s deep-rooted cultural influence in Southeast Asia.
The event commenced with the national anthems of India and the Philippines, followed by a welcome address from Dr. David K Pillai, Chief Executive Consultant of Gullas College of Medicine, who shared his vision for a futuristic knowledge city.
Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Harsh Kumar Jain announced that direct flights between India and the Philippines would soon be a reality, boosting tourism and trade. He praised Dr. Pillai for his efforts in strengthening Indo-Philippine ties through medical education and scholarships for aspiring Indian students.
The summit featured cultural performances by Team Sakhyam from India and the Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe from the Philippines, celebrating the artistic traditions of both nations.