India@75 celebrations launched in UAE, envoy urges expats to join festival

Abu Dhabi - Series of cultural events, digital initiatives to mark Indian independence anniversary.

By Ashwani Kumar

Published: Tue 23 Mar 2021, 8:41 PM

Last updated: Tue 23 Mar 2021, 9:31 PM

The Indian Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor on Tuesday formally launched the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ – India@75 celebrations in the country through a vibrant virtual event.

The series of cultural events and digital initiatives to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Indian independence will run till August 15, 2022, Kapoor said while urging the 3.4-million Indian community to join the future celebrations and make it a ‘people’s festival’.

India@75 was officially flagged off by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month.

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The UAE leg of the celebrations was kick-started on the occasion of ‘Shaheed Diwas’ – Indian Martyrs’ Day marking the death anniversary of heroes of the freedom movement – Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar. The virtual launch was held in collaboration with Private International English School, Abu Dhabi (Bhavans).

“It was on this fateful day in 1931 that Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were executed in Lahore for their revolutionary actions against the British empire.”

Kapoor noted the celebrations will be inspired by five pillars as the guiding force – the freedom struggle, ideas, achievements, actions and resolve at 75.

“I am happy to announce the formal launch of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in the UAE on this occasion of ‘Shaheed Diwas’ as a befitting tribute to the freedom fighters of India. This (virtual event) relates directly and appropriately to the first pillar – the freedom struggle.”

The ambassador said the Indian Embassy and the Consulate General in Dubai will regularly organise events and digital initiatives till August 15, 2022, and added: “We urge all the 3.4 million Indians residing in the UAE to come forward and partner with the Embassy and the Consulate, in participating and organising such events in the weeks and months ahead. We will also work towards organising ‘A Week of Indian Culture’ all over the UAE sometime next year.”

The colourful events included a Sanskrit prayer song ‘manasa satatam smaraniyam’ by the school choir team, patriotic songs, dances and poetry from other students.

Bhavans Middle East vice chairman Sooraj Ramachandran and school principal Girija Baiju also spoke on the occasion.

Students of Private International English School, Abu Dhabi (Bhavans), during a virtual event held to launch the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ – India@75 celebrations in the UAE. Supplied Photo.