Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Debates and discussions are healthy traits of multicultural India, a diplomat said, as scores of Indian expats in the UAE gathered to celebrate their 67th Republic Day on Tuesday.
The occasion was marked with Indian missions and schools raising the Indian flag, followed by speeches that praised India’s diversity of cultures and called for dialogue between different groups.
There were also student performances under the theme of peace and coexistence.
A number of cases of sectarian tensions and debates about intolerance made headlines in India last year. On Tuesday, Indians in the UAE said diversity was a strength, and not a weakness, of their homeland.
T.P. Seetharam, India’s ambassador to the UAE, told Gulf News during a Republic Day ceremony at the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi that the ability to hold debates is a hallmark of democracy. “There is no real problem [of intolerance]. In India, we engage in debates and discussions. This is to be seen as a healthy sign and part of the democratic process where issues are addressed to try and find a solution,” he said.
“There might be some individual cases of tensions but this is inevitable in such a large country like India. It is impossible to prevent things from always going wrong, and we view such incidents as abbreviations rather than the norm.”
Seetharam also commented on Indian workers’ rights in the UAE, saying recent changes in labour laws, which make it easier to switch and ensure employees’ rights, were improving conditions. Indians make up the biggest expat community in the UAE, representing 30 per cent of the UAE population, the Indian embassy says.
“The UAE is always very responsive to the needs of labour workers, and we are very pleased with the recently announced decrees by the UAE’s Ministry of Labour,” he said.
“We are in constant dialogue with our Emirati partners and there is work from both sides to make things even better going into the future, it is our goal to improve the quality of life and work for the Indians living in the UAE.”
The ambassador also spoke positively on strengthening UAE-India ties.
“The nature of our interaction with the UAE has diversified and has deepened, and we expect to see more high-level interactions — at the highest levels — from both countries over the next months to come,” Seetharam said.
Also present at the embassy was Aisha Lakdawala, President, Indian Ladies Association, who said: “We feel very proud and elated. [Republic Day] brings all Indians together as one family. It doesn’t matter what religion or caste you come from, all Indians are one on this day.”
In Dubai, a similar ceremony was held at the Indian consulate, followed by a huge celebration at the Indian High School (IHS).
Anurag Bhushan, India’s consul general, read out a Republic Day speech by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, inspected the IHS student houses and watched their performances.
IHS Honorary Chairman Dr L.M. Pancholia also addressed students and parents, urging them to “rise above differences” to ensure national progress.
K. Logarajan, 46, an Indian parent at the IHS event, said: “The students put up a great performance. It made us feel so patriotic. I agree that peace is the need of the hour, and Dubai is a good example of tolerance for others.”
Also present at the event — as a guest and performer — was former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag, who hoisted the Indian flag on top of a podium on school grounds.
There were a number of marchpasts by IHS students, parents, staff, as well as children with special needs.
A food court was also set up, with proceeds going to charity. Parents had a chance to win a holiday to a selection of resorts in India through a raffle.
