Indian cultural centre in Malaysia to be named after Netaji

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur will be named after freedom fighter and commander of the Indian National Army Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

"Thousands of your forefathers came forward to join Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army," he said as he made his by-now trademark address to the Indian diaspora on the second day of his visit to Malaysia.

"Independent India owes a debt of gratitude to Malaya-Indians," he said.

"We will name our cultural centre here after Subhas Chandra Bose."

A cultural extravaganza showcasing the best of Indian and Malaysian talent preceded Modi's speech.

The event was organised by the Welcome Partners, comprising Indian expatriates and around 90 cultural and community organisations from across the country.

Of the nearly 30 million population of Malaysia, around two million people are of Indian origin.

Modi, who reached Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, attended the 13th Asean-India Summit and the 10th East Asia Summit.

IANS