69th Republic Day marked in Nepal

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Friday celebrated the 69th Republic Day.

Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri hoisted the national flag and read out President Ram Nath Kovind's message on the occasion.

The flag hoisting ceremony was attended by over 1000 Indians and the friends of India. The students of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, the Modern Indian School and the Indian Cultural Centre, Kathmandu sung patriotic songs followed by a scintillating performance by the Nepal Army Band.

On the occasion, the Ambassador felicitated seven widows, four next of kins of deceased soldiers and one disabled soldier of the Indian Armed Forces by distributing their dues worth NPR 4.14 crore and a blanket to each.

Reiterating its commitment towards helping the Bhu Puu, the Defence Wing of the Embassy unveiled the Bhu Puu-2017 magazine covering the welfare initiatives of the Government of India for ex-servicemen domiciled in Nepal.

On the occasion, the Ambassador presented keys of 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charity organizations and educational institutions of different districts of Nepal.

Since 1994, the India Government has gifted 662 ambulances and 130 buses to various organisations across Nepal to expand access to healthcare and educational services in Nepal. The embassy also announced book grant to 41 educational institutions and libraries across Nepal to provide educational material to students in remote areas.

Later in the day, the ambassador also hosted a reception at India House to celebrate the Republic Day of India which coincides with 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Nepal. Vice President of Nepal Nanda Bahadur Pun graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by over 1500 guests, including senior political leaders, public personalities as well as prominent Indian and Nepali citizens.