As his five-year tenure in India draws to a close, Marten van den Berg, the Dutch Ambassador to India, Nepal, and Bhutan wrote a touching note. A farewell note that is now winning the hearts of every Netizen that has come across it. Filled with gratitude and fondness, he expressed how India has left an indelible mark on him, and much more.
Dutch Ambassador’s Farewell Note After 5 Years Of Service Wins Hearts
5 years ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan. My farewell blog. @NLinIndia pic.twitter.com/ECEB09ubmw
— Marten van den Berg (@BergMarten) July 31, 2023
Marten van den Berg, the Dutch Ambassador to India, Nepal, and Bhutan, expressed his heartfelt sentiments as he prepares to leave India after 5 years of service. In his farewell note, he said that he would carry wonderful memories of the country with him.
He titled his note “Farewell but not farewell,” reflecting on the dream come true for him and his wife Sheila, who is of Indian origin. He also mentioned how they had the opportunity to return to her father’s country when they arrived in India five years ago.
According to Business Today reports, Marten van den Berg said that for five years they observed the potential that defines India. He observed an increasingly confident India and its evolving relationship with Europe and the Netherlands.
In his statement, he expressed his firsthand experience of the vibrant colours, diversity, and delicious cuisine in India. He mentioned reading astonishing Indian novels and watching captivating Bollywood movies. Movies that portrayed women, farmers, heroes, informal workers, and Indian families.
Moreover, he travelled extensively across the country, visiting Ladakh, Kerala, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, read his note.
He Came To India With His Wife Sheila But Is Now Leaving Without Her
Tonight I’m returning to the Netherlands 🇳🇱 after 5 years.Never thought that I would leave alone,my wife passed away a few months ago. Will take beautiful and painful memories with me. India 🇮🇳 treated me very well. Thank you India, you will never leave me🙏 @NLinIndia @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/N7403kirt7
— Marten van den Berg (@BergMarten) July 29, 2023
In his note, he also emphasized the valuable friendships he formed and the collaborative work with great colleagues. Experiencing the warmth and love of many Indian people, he learned how to navigate the country, his note read. But even after five years, only partially succeeded.
He also mentioned how he never anticipated leaving India alone. His wife Sheila, passed away a few months ago. Despite this, he departs with beautiful memories and extends gratitude to India for its kind treatment.
As per reports by Business Today, the Dutch Ambassador had earlier expressed his desire to become an ambassador to India due to his love for the country. He had backpacked in India back in 1986 and was mesmerised by the contrasts prevalent everywhere.
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He described India as a dramatic, intense, colourful, and dynamic nation filled with paradoxes. Another influencing factor for his decision was the fact that his wife was Indian, states the report.
Have you had a chance to read the heartwarming note yet? If so, what was your favourite part about the note? Let us know in the comments.
Cover image courtesy: Marten van den Berg’s Twitter / @BergMarten