Dubai: The Indian national tricolour was hoisted at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Indian Consulate in Dubai this morning, marking the milestone 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
Pavan Kapoor, the Indian Ambassador to UAE, hoisted the Indian tricolour to mark India’s 75th Independence Day at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and read out the Indian President, Ram Nath Kovind’s Independence Day Address. The embassy held the event amidst complete COVID-19 protocols with several Indian expatriates following up on the event virtually.
The ambassador in a tweet later said, “The tricolour hoisted high and proud on India’s 75th Independence Day!”
Celebrating the beginning of the Amrit Mahotsav (Festival of Freedom), Dr Aman Puri , Consul General of India to UAE, greeted the Indian diaspora congratulating everyone on the special occasion.
Dr Puri told Gulf News, “This is a two-year festival of Independence from 2021- 2023. We have launched several contests in art, photography, digital art and quizzes and urge all Indians to participate in the events. The 75th Independence anniversary will also be extended to our Indian pavilion at the Expo site and will continue well until August 15, 2023."
He also read out the text of the speech delivered by Ram Nath Kovid, President of India, on the eve of August 15.
The event was held with full COVID-19 protocols. A musical programme showcasing patriotic melodies was presented by local, homegrown talent from the Malhar Centre for Performing Arts, Dubai.
Home away from home
“We feel proud to extend, propagate Hindustani classical music among the young generations of Indians here and preserving and perpetuating Indian heritage and tradition. In Dubai, we are performing for the first time on Independence Day and being with all Indians on this occasion feels like home away from home,” said one of the musicians.
“In 75 years, India has come a long way and is poised to be a world leader. Our Prime Minister’s initiative to launch the Amrit Mahotsav enumerating India's 75 achievements in several fields gives us the extent, depth and richness of the achievements of our country and the sacrifices made by our armed forces,” said Girish Pant, social worker and recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Award.
Mangilal Jat, 30, said, "I am passionate about India and Independence Day. I work as a cleaner in Dubai. I have been doing this since 2010 and I came from Bhilwara district in Rajasthan at the age of 19. I have been dressing up in the tricolour and coming to the consulate every year since 2012. Today is special as we have reached the 75th anniversary of independence. I am proud to be an Indian and harbour an ardent desire to do something big for my country."
