Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Indian community in the Kingdom celebrated the country's 65th Republic Day with joy, enthusiasm and patriotic fervor. Special functions were held at the country's diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah and community schools across the Kingdom with large numbers of students and parents in attendance. Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao hoisted the tricolor at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter Sunday morning. The function was attended by diplomats and students of Indian schools in the capital city as well as community members. A large number of Indian nationals attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Consulate General in Jeddah and at the International Indian School in Jeddah. Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai unfurled the national flag at the consulate, which was soon followed by the singing of the national anthem. Kidwai read out President Pranab Mukherjee's message to the nation. There was an atmosphere of patriotism, equality and brotherhood. Every eye saluted the national flag and every heart hummed to the lyrics of the national anthem in the spirit of unity. On the behalf of the president of India, Kidwai extended warm greetings to all the people present. In his speech he highlighted the remarkable display of idealism and courage of the people over 64 years of the republic. "Elections do not give any person the license to flirt with illusions," Kidwai said, quoting the president. "The government is not a charity shop and false promises lead to disillusionment and thus those in politics should understand that every election comes with a warning sign: perform or perish." Kidwai emphasized the importance of the higher education infrastructure, the employment of the youth and the economy in building a strong nation. He stressed that 2014 must become "a year of healing after the fractured and contentious politics of the last few years." Kidwai distributed certificates of appreciation to the employees of the consulate. This was followed by a cake cutting ceremony with Kausar Kidwai, wife of the consul general, leading the way. The event saw girls of International Indian School, Jeddah, singing patriotic songs. The song, "Aisa Desh Hai Mera", was well received. Later, Kidwai was the chief guest at a colorful Republic Day function at the International Indian School's boys' section campus in the Rehab district. Among other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Kausar Kidwai, school observer and head of the chancery Raghib Quraishi, member of the higher board Hasan Ghayas and school management committee chairman Dr. Haroon Rasheed. The program started at 9.30 a.m. with the unfurling of the national flag by Kidwai. It was followed by the singing of the national anthem by a group of students and the release of pigeons to symbolize the message of peace, freedom and prosperity.
