Video: Indians in UAE celebrate 72nd Republic Day virtually

Dubai - Expatriates are encouraged to join everyone virtually through social media platforms.

Eager Indian expatriates celebrated their country's Republic Day by witnessing the flag hoisting ceremony virtually, which took place at the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

Hundreds participated virtually as the Indian flag was hoisted early Tuesday morning by the Consul General of India to Dubai, Dr Aman Puri, followed by the singing of the Indian National anthem.

Due to Covid-19 triggered restrictions and social distancing norms, the usually jubilant celebrations were visibly low-key this year. Ramdas Athawale, the Indian Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment was part of the celebrations at the Consulate.

The flag hoisting ceremony in the Consulate was only attended by Consulate officials. Following which, Dr Puri read out the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s address to the nation. The President praised the efforts of India’s farmers, soldiers and scientists and said their efforts call for special appreciation on the occasion of Republic Day.

On the country's efforts to fight Covid-19, the President of India said an effective response to the pandemic would not have been possible without the Constitutional value of fraternity among the people of the country.

He also took pride in the fact that India is being called the ‘pharmacy of the world’ for supplying medicine to several countries to contain sufferings across the globe.

Indian curriculum schools celebrate R-Day

After a short cultural programme, the Consul General accompanied by a few Consulate officers, left for the Indian High School to participate in the annual flag hoisting and Republic Day parade. Other Indian curricula schools in Dubai, including JSS Private School, also celebrated the occasion virtually.

JSS school hosted a programme called - ‘Sanskriti-A Plethora of Cultures’, where an interschool competition was hosted by the Kindergarten section. A total of 24 schools from across the UAE participated in the event. The Arabic department of the school also hosted an interschool Indo-Arab Cultural Competition to celebrate the spirit of patriotism among students.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com