Special event at embassy marks India Republic Day

The Indian Embassy in the Kingdom held a special event yesterday marking India’s 70th Republic Day. The event began with a flag hoisting ceremony at the embassy premises in Seef in the presence of dignitaries and scores of community members. Speaking at the event, Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha said, “This is an occasion to commemorate the values of our democracy and Republic.

This is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to liberty, fraternity and equality across our society and among all our citizens. And above all, this is an occasion to celebrate India and the spirit of being Indian. “Every Republic Day is precious and every day in the life of our Republic is precious. Yet this year is a little special.

On October 2, we will mark the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. “Moreover, this year, the people of India, have another responsibility: of voting in the general election and electing the 17th Lok Sabha. The ideas and idealism of our democracy will come into full force. This year’s election will be the first when voters born in the 21st century will contribute to electing a new Lok Sabha.”

“Our Republic has come a long way and we must appreciate how far successive generations have contributed to the great nation. There are still gaps to fill. Our Republic’s vision is that of reaching democratic goals by democratic means, pluralistic goals by pluralistic means, enlightened goals by enlightened means, inclusive goals by inclusive means, compassionate goals by compassionate means – and constitutional goals by constitutional means. Furthermore, I would like to wish all the people a happy Republic Day,” Mr Sinha added.

The event further included a cultural line-up of folk dances of Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab and Bollywood contemporary dance performance. The Republic Day Parade that was held in New Delhi was also telecasted live at the event.