Dubai: Indian expatriates Wednesday celebrated their nation's 62nd Republic Day. The celebrations this year were held at the Indian High School. About 2,500 Indians attended the celebrations.
The event began with the hoisting of the tricolour flag by Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation, in presence of Sanjay Verma, the India's Consul General (CG) to the UAE. As the Indian flag unfurled to the tune of the National Anthem, patriotic fervour filled the air. Most people were dressed in traditional clothes to mark the occasion.
The consul general then read out extracts from the Indian President's address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day, to community members gathered at the school.
This was followed by a march past and a colourful performance by Indian High School (IHS) pupils that reflected on unity among cultural diversity. Children with special needs from the humanitarian organisation, the Rashid Paediatric Centre, also participated.
The event was themed as ‘The celebration of India… of Indian High School… Jai Ho!'
Addressing the gathering Ravi said: "Right to education [the landmark law passed by the Indian government last year which made education a fundamental right for children] contributes to India's growth."
"Let us march towards further progress, prosperity and eradicate poverty from our society. Let us be proud of India, take pride in its growth and be part of Indian democracy, the largest in the world, by voting for the right candidates. Democracy is our greatest strength," he said.
Verma said: "The difference between Independence Day and Republic Day is that the former celebrates the freedom struggle whereas the latter celebrates our Constitution, which is the basis of our laws. Today, let's celebrate the Constitution of India which guides a diverse country into the modern era."
"NRIs are part of the nation-building process; the process of creating a powerful, developed country. Let's all work towards a happy and prosperous India," he added.
Hundreds of pupils of IHS, their parents and others members of the community, attended the celebrations, Mohan Valrani, chairman of IHS, said.
