On Monday 3rd April 2023, the High Commission of Malta in New Delhi, India,  in collaboration with the Honorary Consulate of Malta in Chennai , Tamil Nadu, celebrated the 44th Anniversary of Freedom Day of Malta ( Jum Ħelsien 31 ta’ Marzu 1979 ) in the South Indian Port City of Chennai. 

The High Commissioner of Malta to India, H.E. Reuben Gauci and his spouse Dr Olga V Gauci, travelled from New Delhi to Chennai to participate in this event, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and was attended by a large number of guests. 

In his speech, the High Commissioner said that since the dawn of history, Malta was always occupied by foreign powers, especially sea powers. Military fleets had dominated the Maltese Harbours for centuries. 

Mr Gauci said that on 31 March 1979, the Maltese people witnessed these  military ships leaving Malta for the last time and with this Freedom was completely attained as, after centuries of foreign fleets dominating its natural ports, fleets going back to the times of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans, Malta saw the final British Military Ships leave the islands for good.  

The Governor of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu, H.E. Shri. T. N. Ravi , graced the event with his esteemed participation as a guest of honour and delivered a  speech which focussed on Freedom from War. 

The High Commission of Malta in India wishes to thank the Honorary Consul of Malta in Chennai , Mr T. Shantakumar for organizing the event.