5th Indo-Philippine Cultural and Educational Exchange Summit:

The 75th Indo-Philippine Cultural and Educational Exchange Summit was a landmark event, celebrating the enduring friendship and collaborative spirit between India and the Philippines. Held on February 15, 2025, at the Gullas College of Medicine Inc., Cebu City, Philippines, the summit brought together distinguished dignitaries, cultural icons and educational leaders from both nations. Under the theme, “GCM Empowering Global Connections: Bridging Education, Health, Culture, and Tourism for a Resilient Future,”

The ceremony was chaired by Mr. VG Santhosam, Chairman of VGP Group of Companies from South India. The event started with the unveiling of a mega statue of Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar in the Gullas College for Medicine campus, the statue stood as a symbol of Tamil heritage and philosophy, marking a significant cultural milestone in the Philippines. This tribute not only honored an ancient philosopher but also symbolized the integration of Indian culture into the Southeast Asian cultural landscape, reflecting the deep historical ties between India and the Philippines. It resonated with the growing Indian student community in the Philippines, reinforcing a sense of heritage and values. The event was witnessed by the eminent bureaucrats and educational officials of Philippines.

The event commenced with the national anthems of India and the Philippines, Followed by a doxology and a warm welcome from Dr. David K. Pillai, Chief Executive Consultant of Gullas College of Medicine Inc. As the Chief Executive Consultant of the Gullas College of Medicine, as well as a prominent driving force behind the institution’s successes, he unveiled an exciting vision for a futuristic knowledge city that would transform education and innovation in the region.

Direct flight to Philippines from India soon, a boon Indian Ambassador to Philippines H E Harsh Kumar Jain disclosed that direct flights between India and Philippines will become a reality soon. He was addressing at the glittering event of 75th India-Philippines Friendship Celebration organised at Gullas College of Medicine, Mandaue city in Cebu while unveiling of Saint Thiruvalluvar’s statue when he pointed out that the bilateral trade between the two nations has surpassed 3.5 mn mark which only proves to show the diplomatic relations and friendship between India and Philippines.

The potential for collaboration between the two nations is boundless, he said, adding that the people to people contacts will give a boost to tourism besides trade and commerce between the two nations. “Our friendship is truly an enduring one,” he said in a touch of pride that this is poised to grow for a bright future.

Heaping praise on Dr David K. Pillai, the CEO of Gullas College of Medicine, Harsh Kumar Jain said that he is a pioneer in establishing close cooperation with the Philippines in the field of medical education in the Philippines and added that the scholarship program is benefiting the aspiring medical students from India and within the country.

Eulogising the keen interest and commitment of Dr Pillai, he said that Pillai played a proactive role in ensuring Gullas College of Medicine a prominent institution in the field of medical education and the Pillai Medical scholarship program making the dreams of aspiring medical students come true. By installing the Thiruvalluvar statue, Harsh Kumar Jain felicitated Pillai for contribution in ensuring cultural ties between the two nations.

It may be noted that the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines declared open a new office of Wipro a few months ago which has opened up new openings for Indians and those within the nation offering bright prospects. Further, he congratulated Datamatics on the occasion of opening a new office of Datamatics in Cebu on December 10, 2024, which he stated marked another significant milestone in the company’s journey in the Philippines.

The summit featured vibrant cultural performances, symbolizing the harmonious blend of Indian and Filipino traditions. Team Sakhyam showcased traditional Indian dance performances, celebrating the rich artistic heritage of India and Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe presented captivating Filipino cultural displays, reflecting the cultural vibrancy of the Philippines. These performances celebrated the shared cultural legacy of both nations and fostered greater appreciation and unity.

The event underscored the shared commitment of India and the Philippines to strengthen cultural ties and foster international cooperation.