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Video: Indian expats in UAE celebrate Independence Day

Photo by Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times

Dubai - India declared its independence from the British colonial regime on August 15, 1947.

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By Ashwani Kumar

Published: Wed 15 Aug 2018, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Thu 16 Aug 2018, 10:09 AM

Indian expats marked the 71st Independence Day with patriotic zeal and fervour across the UAE on Wednesday.

Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri unfurled the national flag as national anthem was played.

Hundreds of residents gathered at the embassy in Abu Dhabi and as the sun blazed, the ambassador got candid and told commoners: "Our blue-collared workers spent entire day in the same sun."
He reminded workers from various labour camps to approach the embassy in any issues faced by them.
"We have Open House from 9 am to 12.30 pm. None of you need any appointment."
Suri also urged those staying illegally in the UAE to make use of amnesty seekers.
"Embassy officials, translators are at Shahama centre from 8am to 8pm."
The cultural programmes at the embassy started with artists from Indian state of West Bengal Troilee Dutta with tabla and Soumen Hazra with sarod leaving the capacity audience spellbound. It was followed by performances of folk singers from Indian state of Rajasthan and dance by members of Indian Ladies Association Abu Dhabi.
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Young and old, Indians from all walks of life,  gather today at various venues, including diplomatic missions and Indian associations across the UAE, to celebrate the August 15 freedom day.
India declared its independence from the British colonial regime on August 15, 1947.
A number of expats are expected to gather at the Consulate in Dubai and the embassy in Abu Dhabi to watch the country's national flag unfurl.
The flag hoisting in Abu Dhabi will take place at 8am at the Embassy premises. In Dubai, the Consulate General of India will be hosting a flag hoisting on Wednesday morning at 8.30am at its premises.
According to a statement issued by the Consulate, "All Indians and friends of India are invited to join the Independence Day celebrations at Al Hamriya Diplomatic Enclave." The flag hoisting will be followed by a brief cultural programme.
The Consulate General of India, Dubai, will remain closed today, the statement added.
Various Indian associations will also be holding independent flag hoisting ceremonies across the country. OA Ahmed Khan, president of the Indian Association in Ajman, said the Independence Day is a momentous occasion. "We will conduct a flag hoisting and have a small reception for Indian expatriates in Ajman," said Khan.
EP Johnson, president of Indian Association in Sharjah, said: "Flag hoisting will take place at 8am in the morning. At 7.30pm, there will be a cultural programme and public meeting open to all Indians and friends."
Khaleej Times spoke to several expatriates about their plans for the day.
Sabah Omar Shereef, an accountant, said: "I will be home watching prime minister's speech on the occasion. As a family, we also look back at a time when our brave freedom fighters and leaders sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. I also go to work wearing traditional clothing and watch special shows on the television." 
Hameed Yousuf, a YouTube vlogger, Youth Media Council Member with the NMC, said: "I don't think the Independence Day is celebrated the way it should be. I want to know what people are planning for the day and will work on a video at the end of the day about my observations."
Richa Varun Nair, a marketing professional, said: "I have a four-year-old son, and he's not been to India as much as I would've liked. I take the opportunity to treat him things about India. I will make him watch movies and shows on the TV about Independence Day and make him learn about the freedom struggle as much as I can."
Aparna Nair, an architect, said: "I will watch the president's speech and spend a few hours on Internet for patriotic content. I will also spend time with some of my friends, and we go to restaurants or cafes that have Independence Day-themed events."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

Photo by Ryan Lim
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Ashwani Kumar

Published: Wed 15 Aug 2018, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Thu 16 Aug 2018, 10:09 AM

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