(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Embassy of India, Doha, celebrated the 74th Independence Day of India with great zeal at the premises of the Embassy yesterday.
Considering ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held in accordance with the local regulations/guidelines, maintaining social distancing during the celebration, said the Embassy in a press release which was shared on its social media account. The event was live-streamed for the Indian community on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
The Ambassador of India, HE Dr. Deepak Mittal hoisted the flag of India followed by the national anthem. The Independence Day message from the honourable President of India was read out on the occasion. He paid floral tribute to Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
The event ended with the presentation of cultural programme by the students of the Indian schools. The event was attended by community members and Mission's staff and their families.
On this auspicious occasion, the Ambassador underscored the cordial ties existing between Qatar and India.
H E Mittal thanked for the co-operation extended by the State of Qatar in the success of the Vande Bharat Mission for facilitating repatriation of stranded Indian nationals and welcomed the announcement of the air bubble between India and Qatar.
He commended the efforts by the Indian community during COVID-19 pandemic to help the fellow Indians in distress. The Ambassador also planted a sapling at the Embassy premises, along with heads of the apex community organisations working under the aegis of the Embassy and other community members. The Ambassador read out the speech of the President of India, H E Ram Nath Kovind, given on the eve of India's 74th Independence Day.
Reading the President's speech, he said: 'It gives me great pleasure to greet all the people of India, living in the country and abroad, on the eve of the 74th Independence Day. August 15 fills us with the excitement of unfurling the tricolour, taking part in celebrations and listening to patriotic songs. On this day, the youth of India should feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation. We gratefully remember our freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices have enabled us to live in an independent nation.
'The ethos of our freedom struggle forms the foundation of modern India. Our visionary leaders brought together a diversity of world views to forge a common national spirit, he said.
'Troubled by social strife, economic problems, and climate change, the world seeks relief in Gandhiji's teachings. His quest for equality and justice is the mantra for our Republic. I am glad to see the younger generations re-discover Gandhiji, he added.
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