UAE | General

Indians mark Independence Day

Expatriates in UAE mark event with patriotic fervour and colourful ceremonies.

  • By Rayeesa Absal and Sunita Menon, Staff Reporters
  • Published: 16:08 August 15, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • A young boy waves an Indian flag on the way into the Dubai Indian High School.
  • Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
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Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Roads leading to the Indian Embassy were unusually crowded for 8am on a Friday morning.

This was because Indian expatriates were on their way to celebrate their country's independence in the capital city of the UAE.

A group of 450 people saw Talmiz Ahmad, Indian Ambassador, hoist the flag at the Indian Embassy. The National Anthem was sung by a group of school children. Patriotic fervour filled the air as the diplomat unfurled the tricolour.

"Today is a very special day and a very proud moment for us. We Indians feel a special connection ... a strong bond with our motherland and regardless of where we live, we feels proud to be part of this great nation," the Ambassador told Gulf News, speaking about his country's 62nd independence day.

Among the large number of children present at the event was Kaargil P.R, an eight-year-old.

Waving his flag enthusiastically he said he knew the importance of the day. "He was named to mark the victory of the Indian Army in Kargil," his parents added.

Eshwar, a labourer from Rajasthan, said: "No matter how far we are from our country it is still very close to our heart." The difficulty in reaching the mission from his accommodation did not stop him from being part of the celebrations, he said.

Sharing his thoughts, Muralee Dharan, managing director of SFC Group, said: "Indians must stand united above politics, cast, creed and colour, and to work towards the betterment of the nation."

Businessman and chairman of the Indian Business Council, Mohan Jashanmal, said: "Today we must think of oneness of people and of contributing jointly to the society. Though we might speak in different tongues, eat different foods or wear different kinds of clothes, in the end we are all humans. This must be our vision."

Meanwhile, in Dubai, the Shaikh Rashid auditorium was packed to capacity as the Indian consul-general, Venu Rajamony, read out Indian President Pratibha Patil's address to the nation.

In his independence day message to the community Rajamony urged Indians living in the UAE to help strengthen the relationship between India and the UAE.

He also said Indians in the UAE should abide by the rules and regulations of the host country.

At 8am the Indian consul-general hoisted the national flag at the grounds of the Indian High School, followed by the singing of the national anthem.

Gireesh Kumar Sanghi, Indian National Congress Member of the Rajya Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament) was the guest of honour.

Indians turned up in their hundreds to take part in the independence day celebrations. People had to pass through the electronic gates installed at the School gates as security was tightened.

"Everything is done systematically. A large number of Indians from all walks of life have turned up for the celebrations," said Abilesh Avasti, who was accompanied by his wife and three children.

There was also a large presence of Indian blue-collar workers this year. Their companies made special transport arrangements for them. Some workers coming on foot were seen asking for directions to the Indian High School from motorists at traffic junctions.

"I am proud to be an Indian. Look around, Indian workers have worked on the construction of some of the best looking buildings in Dubai.

"I am happy to have contributed. Things are improving for us. Our working hours are monitored much better," said Babudas, a welder with Indian tri-colour in his hand.

The workers said that they were very happy with the introduction of the mid-day break regulation.

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