Indians across world celebrate I-Day with gala events

Patriotic fervour gripped Indians across the world today as they celebrated the country's 63rd Independence Day by unfurling of the tri-colour and organising traditional cultural programmes.     

In the Pakistan capital, Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal hoisted the national flag and read out the President's address to the nation at an official function in the mission. The children and wives of the High Commission staff performed patriotic songs on the occasion.      

Security within the Diplomatic Enclave in the heart of Islamabad was tightened as Pakistan also marked its Independence Day yesterday. All vehicles entering the enclave were thoroughly checked.     

 

In the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, High Commissioner Alok Prasad unfurled the tri-colour amidst a march past by BSF soldiers as a Sri Lankan navy band gave a performance. Traditional songs and dance marked the event attended by over 400 people at the India House.     

In Abu Dhabi, Independence Day celebrations were led by Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Talmiz Ahmad, at a function also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Mani Shankar Aiyer as the Chief guest.     

In Dubai, India's Consul General Venu Rajamony hoisted the flag at the Indian High School. The ceremony was followed by an hour-long cultural programme in which children of several Indian schools performed. "While Indians of all hues must reaffirm their support to India's progress and celebrate this occasion, we must also do whatever it takes to help the host country prosper," Rajamony said on the occasion.     

In Kuwait, Indian Ambassador Ajai Malhotra hoisted the national flag and read out the message of the President. The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by a reception which was attended by thousands of Indians in the country.     

"India's foreign policy has a special focus on the Gulf region, with which we have had long-standing interaction and friendship. It is also one of our most important trading partners, an important source of energy for us, and home to over four and a half million Indians," Malhotra had earlier said.     

Saudi King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, also sent congratulatory messages to President Pratibha Patil on the occasion.     

On behalf of the government and people of Saudi Arabia, the King and the Crown Prince expressed best wishes for prosperity and advancement of the Indian people.