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Going the Indian way to celebrate 70th Independence Day

Abu Dhabi/Dubai - Festivities started with the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, T.P. Seetharam, unfurling the national flag on the embassy premises.

As the Indian nation turned 70 on Monday, its expat population in the UAE Capital celebrated the occasion in typical patriotic fervour.
Festivities started with the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, T.P. Seetharam, unfurling the national flag on the embassy premises, followed by the national anthem.
The ambassador read the Address to the Nation by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. The portion quoting historian Arnold J Toynbee: "at the cross roads of human history, the only way of salvation of mankind is the Indian way" was well received by the audience. Sharing his thoughts on his last I-Day celebration in the role of an ambassador, Seetharam, who ret-ires on August 31, said: "I have cherished this opportunity to serve India. These are special moments. emotional ones.
"I had this chance to represent India in many other countries but the UAE is significant... it has the most number of expatriate Indians," he told Khaleej Times.
The ceremony saw mass participation - from workers, diplomats and representatives from other fields. Close to a 1,000 people attended the celebrations. Children showed their love for their motherland by dressing up in saffron, white and green outfits, and everyone was seen waving the tricolour.
Later, a cultural programme was held in the embassy auditorium. The India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) also hoisted the national flag on their premises, and will conduct its Independence Day celebrations on Thursday.
Dubai sees equal fervour
In Dubai too, the Indian community was seen in high spirits at the celebrations hosted by the consulate. The Consul-General of India to the UAE, Anurag Bhushan, hoisted the tricolour. It was followed by a rendition of the national anthem.
Around 500 residents participated in the ceremony, and young children were seen distributing tricolour bands to everyone at the event.
The significance of this most special day in Indian history was highlighted by the consul-general in his speech. Bhushan praised the late Indian freedom fighters and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh, as well as soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle before 1947. "We are celebrating our 70th Independence Day, but the Indian civilisation is over 4,000 years old," he said. The consul-general also read out a message from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's speech, delivered to all Indians on the eve of I-Day in New Delhi.
The day was filled with patriotic messages and cultural performances showcasing Indian traditions. Members of the Karnataka Sports Council presented a mime skit 'Be the Change', which was followed by a number of songs and poetry recitations.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com