High Commissioner Mishra (left) presents the portrait to Mr Pillay

Indian High Commissioner Malay Mishra on Saturday November 15, advised Hindus in Seychelles to give their best towards the development Seychelles.

Mr Mishra said their contribution to the progress of Seychelles was already quite commendable and had attracted the recognition of the Indian Government.

The envoy was speaking at the temple of the Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam, where he presented a portrait of Hindu god, Lord Vinayagar, on behalf of Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat of India.

"This is in recognition of what the Hindus in Seychelles have done, and it shows what we in India think of our brothers and sisters in Seychelles," Mr Mishra said, quoting Mr Shekhawat, who pledged to give the portrait during his September 2003 visit to Seychelles.

"He asked me to gift it in a central place for all the Indians here, and I could not think of a better place than inside the temple," he said, after handing the portrait to the chairperson of Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam, Mr Ramakrishnan Pillay.

Mr Mishra talked at length on the superiority of Lord Vinayagar, over the many other Hindu gods.

He also sent good wishes to President France Albert Rene, on the occasion of the Head of State's 68th birthday on Sunday November 16.

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