Visiting Hours

MALDIVES

GCC is considered a melting pot of various cultures with students drawn from every part of the world. The college has hosted a host of distinguished guests, eminent scholars and academicians as well as government officials on campus.
This provides a unique learning experience for the students who spend time interacting with the role models. This January was no exception. Yes, GCC welcomed in its fold a delegation from the Island Nation of Maldives.
Leading the delegation was Honourable Ahmed Naseem, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. With the accomplished diplomat were Ms. Thilmeeza Hussain, Assistant Director, Foreign Affairs, Honourable Ahmed Fayaz Hassan, the Deputy Minister of Health, and Honorable Ali Shareef of the Narcotics Control Board. This was not the foreign minister’s first sojourn in India.
As a nine year old, he did his schooling in the country for two years before relocating to Sri Lanka. Amongst his many postings, he has served in the Foreign Service in Australia and is credited with being the youngest delegate to the United Nations.
Later, he returned to Maldives to set up an ambitious tourism development plan for the holiday island. On the sidelines of his busy interactions with Dr. Joseph .V.G., Chairman, Garden City Group of Institutions - incidentally the Honourable Consul for Maldives in Bangalore - Suma Sinha of Mass Communication engaged the minister in a free wheeling discussion.
Excerpts from the Chat:
About Maldives: As a country, Maldives was under a dictatorial regime for three decade led by oppressive rulers. It has been five years since the country got independence under the incumbent President, His Excellency Nashid who was in exile in the United Kingdom.
Bilateral ties with India: This is something that has been nurtured for generations. We share very friendly relations with India.
Challenges: Just like India, the threat of terrorism is real to be ignored. We are engaged in discussions with the Indian Government and other like- minded countries to come together and curb the threats posed by terrorists.
Role of Maldives: More than 700 billion loads of cargo transit through Maldives every day and because of its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, piracy is affecting trade in the sea.
Bengaluru Connection: This city is known for its pretty girls and models, right? Jokes aside, I am here as guest of Dr, Joseph .V.G., our Honorary Consul in Bangalore. Actually, in Maldives we are facing a big problems in narcotic and substance abuse. We are exploring avenues for cooperation with India’s rehabilitation centers to bring back the users into the mainstream society by providing them education and spreading awareness about the dangers posed by narcotics.
About his family: His father, now aged 93 years was an entrepreneur and engaged in trade with India in many places such as Chittigong (Now Bangladesh).
At a personal level: Has many friends in the country.