Merdeka… As we are enjoying today’s fascinating moments and celebrations, it is also the right time for us to look back with fond memories at the period right after the war, when the fires of patriotism were burning bright - one of the most vibrant, exciting times in this nation’s history. Let’s take a walk down the memory lane on how we started half a century ago, when our much-loved first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman shouted “Merdeka” seven times at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. It was a fabulous moment for sure. Here are some of the rare pictures from Muzium Negara that portrays the most memorable moment of the Nation, 51 years ago. It was on that fateful day, 31 Aug. 1957, when Malaysia entered a new era - a time of independence, of new spirit and hope, of freedom.

"I am indeed proud on this, the greatest day in Malaya’s history it falls
to my lot to proclaim the formal independence of this country. Today a
new page is turned," Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31 Aug. 1957

 Picture : (L-R) Leong Yew Koh, Dato’ Abdul Razak, V.T Sambanthan, Tuan Haji Mustapha Albakri, Tengku Ismail and Encik Samsudin Naim upon returning from negotiations in London

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) has issued instructions for the admission of Indian Diaspora children around the world to study at higher and technical institutions in India. The scholarship covers a wide range of subjects, including engineering, humanities, commerce, management, journalism, hotel management and agriculture.

You may access the informations at http://www.moia.gov.in/
Booklet containing guidelines and application form can be downloaded HERE
The last date for receiving completed application forms is 4th April 2008.