Licypriya invited for East Timor President's inauguration
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 16 2022:
Ten-year old climate and environment activist Licypriya Kangujam has been invited as a special guest of honour for the inauguration of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Jose Ramos Horta as the new President of East Timor, which is Asia's youngest nation.
The inauguration of Dr Horta to be held on May 20 will also mark the 20th anniversary of the Independence of East Timor.
Licypriya is the first young figure of India invited to such a high level event in the world.
At least five heads of the states and 50 ministerial representatives from various governments of the World have also confirmed participation in the swearing-in ceremony.
Licypriya told the media: "I'm really very surprised when a country invites a small kid like me to such a high level event.
It's really a big honour for my country and it will empower more girl children.
It will bring closer relations between India and East Timor".
"I will also address the National Parliament of East Timor and at the University of East Timor during my visit.
Many other civil society organisations of East Timor also invited me to interact with the children and young people.
I will listen to their stories and convey to the world about the problems they're facing.
We will talk about long term peace and development and how we can fight climate change together".
"Manipur even has a famous play "Gusmo ge Khudol" or "The Gift of Xanana Gusmao" based on East Timor's independence struggle and has close cultural ties between the people of East Timor and Manipur through this play by connecting heart to heart.
I will also share with the people about this play too," she added.
Dr Jose Ramos-Horta would be taking over as the President for the second time having served the country from 2007 to 2012 as President in addition to being its first Prime Minister of East Timor.
Dr Jose Ramos Horta was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 for his efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to guerrilla war in East Timor against Indonesia's occupation of the former Portuguese colony.