Singapore High Commissioner Attends Staff's Village Wedding in UP: A Heartwarming Display of Cultural Diplomacy

Simon Wong, Singapore High Commissioner to India, has captured widespread attention online after sharing moments from his staff member's wedding ceremony in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh.

The diplomat posted a collection of photographs on X documenting his participation in the celebrations, writing: "Attended the wedding ceremony of my staff in his village at Bulandshahr, UP. So much joy. Congratulations. HC Wong."

In the first image, Wong appears in a traditional yellow and white kurta pyjama, posing alongside the newlyweds and what seems to be the groom's family members. Another photograph shows him enjoying a traditional meal consisting of tandoori roti, rice, and what looks like chicken, with two young girls seated next to him.

The third image captures Wong at the groom's home surrounded by women and children posing for the camera, while the fourth photograph shows him with male family members at the residence.

His post quickly gained traction online, with numerous commenters praising the envoy's genuine warmth and unpretentious nature.

One social media user remarked, "Thanks so much, Ambassador, almost no one there in the pics would have any idea of the power you wield or how important Singapore-India relations are. This nice gesture of yours is truly heartwarming and something the people in the pics would be telling their grandchildren about!"

Another person commented, "This speaks volume about your down to earth upbringing. Beautiful gesture on your part. Kudos to you & your wonderful country, Singapore!"

"What a nice gesture! And the picture with the family and the kids is so cute," wrote another commenter.

Someone else added, "That's really kind of you, Excellency. It's rare these days to see people in high positions take the time to celebrate with their local staff. Most only attend events hosted by the rich and well-connected."

This isn't the first instance of diplomatic representatives embracing Indian cultural traditions. In 2023, former US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti attended an Indian friend's wedding ceremony, sharing his experience on X: "Every ceremony feels like a journey into the heart of tradition, leaving me in awe of the richness that defines this beautiful country."

Garcetti shared several photographs showing him holding the "phoolon ki chaadar" (flower canopy), traditionally carried by the bride's brother during her entrance to the wedding venue.