Port-of-Spain: The work and vision of India's first minister of education Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad was highlighted during the celebration of International Scholars' day in Chaguanas in central Trinidad.

Indian High Commissioner Malay Mishra addressed graduates of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation (MGICC), the Indian cultural centre, on November 11.

Mishra praised the work, vision and philosophy of Azad who worked tirelessly for Hindus and Muslims to live in harmony and peace with each other.

Institute director Madan Mohan Sharma said the occasion was of special significance. "On this day, every year, we observe International Scholars' day all over the world through our mission and cultural centres set up by the Indian Council for Cultural Co-operation (ICCR).

This day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, who was also the founder of ICCR.

The centre was established under a bilateral exchange programme between the government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Indian government in 1997. "The primary objective of this cultural centre is to establish, strengthen and revive cultural relations and mutual understanding between the two countries," Sharma said.

This country's population is made up of 1.3 million people of which 44 percent are those whose ancestors came from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India to work on the sugar plantations. IANS