Indian community in US celebrates R-day

The Indian community in the US celebrated India's 65th Republic Day with Ambassador S. Jaishankar unfurling the national flag at a colourful function at the Indian embassy here on a bright and sunny but chilly day.

After hoisting the flag in front of the embassy overlooking a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Jaishankar read out President Pranab Mukherjee's address to the nation.

About 200 members of the community joined the celebrations including singing of the national anthem and a short cultural programme.

In his message of "congratulations and best wishes" in "the warm spirit of friendship and partnership" President Barack Obama has said: "Our partnership has always been guided by our shared values and interests."

Describing India as a country on the move, US Secretary of State John Kerry said, "The real magic of India lies as much in its promising future as it does in its rich heritage."

Similar flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the Indian consulates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston.