“Fahaleovantena Fahizay”: an exhibition aiming to promote national sovereignty

Officially opened yesterday at the National Library of Anosy, an exhibition entitled “Fahaleovantena Fahizay” (the then Independence) retraces the history of the Great Island both in the pre and post-independence period. Actually, through ancient flags of Malagasy kingdoms (Sakalava, Merina, Betsimisaraka, Antandroy etc.), royal hymns, official state’s seals, signatures of queens and kings, official documents received from international conventions, official congratulation telegrams received by President Philibert Tsiranana on June 26, 1960, the exhibition shows the different historical and political contexts Madagascar has been going through. But in addition to retracing the history of Madagascar, these articles, considered as national heritage, also constitutes the very basis and symbols of the nation’s sovereignty. Pointing out the importance of such exhibition, the Minister in charge of Culture and National Heritage, Mireille Rakotomalala, stated: “These articles are the symbols that we have to be particularly proud of, and we want to transmit them to the younger generations”. At the same time, Mrs. Rakotomalala took the opportunity to reveal other strategic actions undertaken by her ministry destined primarily to promote and highlight national sovereignty, including conservation of national audio-visual archives, incitation of young people to get interested in Malagasy literature, sensibilization of the population to practice of Malagasy social and cultural fundamental values such as national solidarity, social cohesion and the “Fihavanana”.  “Fahaleovantena Fahizay” will close its door on August 27, 2010.