Indian expatriates mark 70th Independence Day

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Indian expatriates mark 70th Independence Day

Photo by Shihab/Khaleej Times

Abu Dhabi/Dubai - Indian community is celebrating the nation's 70th Independence Day.

By Ashwani Kumar 


Published: Mon 15 Aug 2016, 8:27 AM

Last updated: Tue 16 Aug 2016, 12:11 AM

India turned 70 on Monday and the expat population in the Capital celebrated the hard-fought freedom with patriotic fervour.
The Indian Ambassador to the UAE T.P. Seetharam started off the festivities by unfurling the national flag at the embassy premises. This was followed by singing the National Anthem.

#IndianIndependenceDay celebrations start at the Indian Embassy with Ambassador TP Seetharam hoisting the flag pic.twitter.com/DyppIkigRq
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 15, 2016

Later, the ambassador read the Address to the Nation by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.

Indian Ambassador to the #UAE, T.P. Seetharam, reads out the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s speech... pic.twitter.com/M5GEUOOZU2
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 15, 2016

The portion referring to historian Arnold Toynbee quotes ‘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 Independence Day as an Ambassador, he said: “I cherish this opportunity to serve India. These are special moments… emotional ones.”
“Unfurling the national flag is indeed a special memory for me. I had this chance to represent India in many other countries but doing that here in the UAE is significant. This country has the most number of Indians and that’s what makes it significant,” he told Khaleej Times.
In a message to expats in the UAE, he said: “Indians here must work to strengthen ties with the UAE.”
He was glad that the ceremony saw a mass participation – a mix of people from workers, diplomats and representatives from other fields.

Now that is quite some enthusiasm among people on #IndianIndependenceDay
Video by Shihab/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/06OeXjV6MZ
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 15, 2016

Later, a cultural programme was held in the Embassy auditorium. Children from various schools participated in the cultural events – singing and dancing to patriotic songs.
Close to 1,000 people attended the celebrations. Children showed their love for their motherland by dressing-up in tricolour-themed outfits. Everyone was seen waving the tricolour flags.

Also, the India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) held a ceremony to mark the day. ISC president Thomas Varghese unfurled the national flag at their premises. The centre will conduct its cultural events on Thursday.