indica News Bureau-
The 71st Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India, Washington D.C. with great enthusiasm. Over 500 members of the Indian diaspora from the Greater Washington region took part in the celebration.
Charge d’Affaires Ambassador Amit Kumar paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Mahatma Gandhi Park in front of the Embassy. Thereafter, Cd’A unfurled the National Flag followed by singing of the National Anthem. He also addressed the gathering and read out the address of the President of India delivered on the eve of the Republic Day. This was followed by singing of patriotic songs by the students of Gandharva School of Music, Richmond.
Newly-appointed Consul General of India Aseem R Mahajan, who assumed office a few days ago, welcomed Houstonians at the flag-hoisting ceremony in the morning and unfurled the National Flag. Deputy Consul General Surinder Adhana read the address of President Ram Nath Kovind.
“We Indians are here to celebrate the 71st Republic Day. The people gathered here have a lot of love for their motherland. It’s a message to the protestors gathered here,” said Jai Kansara, a prominent name amongst the Indian diaspora.
“Uncha Sadaa Rahe Jhanda Hamra” tweeted Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations along with a picture of him unfurling the tri-colour at the India’s permanent mission to the UN in New York.
A local band played popular patriotic songs and the gathered crowd moved to the beats with great enthusiasm.
On 26th evening, a reception to commemorate the 71st Republic Day was organized by the consulate and attended by Congressman Al Green, Fort Bend County Judge K P George, Representative of Senator John Cornyn, Sugarland Mayor besides over 300 Indian-Americans.
Indian Americans also celebrated the Republic Day in various universities having Indian student associations, besides various cities and towns having sizeable Indian population. “Honored to raise the Indian flag during the Republic Day flag ceremony at the India House! 71 years ago the world’s largest democracy emerged and brought forth a culture of unity and acceptance,” said Congressman Pete Olson at the Republic Day celebrations in Houston.
