Malé, Maldives — The High Commission of India in Malé has unveiled new stories under its Ekuveri Gulhun (“Friendship Bond”) initiative, a campaign dedicated to highlighting the human connections that underpin the longstanding partnership between India and the Maldives. Far from the formalities of government agreements and diplomatic exchanges, these profiles shine a light on the individuals whose everyday contributions quietly nurture trust, cooperation, and goodwill between the two neighbouring nations.
Through the voices of educators, business professionals, and community contributors living and working in the Maldives, the initiative captures the personal side of bilateral relations—one built not just on shared policy, but on shared humanity.
Building Partnerships Through Service
Among those featured is Prathiesh Kumar, Country Manager at Cosmopolitan Champa Brothers Maldives, who has spent more than a decade supporting the country’s hospitality supply chain. Kumar describes his work as a commitment to strengthening the bridge of cooperation between India and the Maldives.
His focus over the years, he says, has remained on “strengthening reliability, quality, and operational excellence across resort and local supply chains.”
Kumar speaks with pride about the role he has played:
“I have been proud to contribute to this partnership in a meaningful way. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure the smooth, reliable delivery of high-quality food products to the Maldives—supporting local businesses, resorts, and communities.”Even during periods of global disruption, he stresses that the partnership never faltered:
“By strengthening supply chains, building trust with Maldivian partners, and maintaining uninterrupted service even during global challenges, I have played my part in nurturing the friendship between our two nations.”For him, commercial exchanges represent far more than business transactions. They are acts of connection:
“In every shipment and every partnership, I see not just business, but a bridge of goodwill—one that connects India and the Maldives with reliability, respect, and shared progress.”Educators Who Shape GenerationsAnother story highlighted by Ekuveri Gulhun is that of Ms. Pushparathi, a Senior Lecturer at Villa College who has dedicated more than ten years to nurturing the next generation of nursing professionals in the Maldives.
Teaching, she says, has been both a mission and a privilege.
“For over a decade, I am dedicating myself to teaching and nurturing the next generation of nursing professionals.”She recalls the encouragement she receives from the very community she serves:
“The love, trust, and encouragement I receive from my students and colleagues inspire me every day to continue serving and contributing to their growth.”These interactions, she explains, have shaped her belief in the deeper bonds between the two countries:
“Every smile, every gesture they offered me has strengthened my belief that true friendship goes beyond the borders.”For her, the India–Maldives relationship is rooted in shared experiences and mutual compassion:
“These experiences reflect the enduring bond between India and the Maldives — a friendship grounded in care, learning, and shared humanity.”
A Campaign Celebrating Human Connections
The Ekuveri Gulhun initiative continues to document the stories of people whose work—often behind the scenes—strengthens the fabric of India–Maldives relations. Through these narratives, the High Commission aims to emphasise that diplomacy is not only built through official channels, but through the everyday interactions of teachers, suppliers, medical professionals, volunteers, and workers who contribute to the community around them.
The initiative captures this sentiment in a simple but powerful message:
“Ekuveri Gulhun — a bond that beautifully connects two nations, two hearts, and countless stories.”As these stories show, the friendship between India and the Maldives is more than strategic cooperation. It is a reflection of shared values, mutual respect, and the lived experiences of the people who continue to strengthen the partnership—one story at a time.
