RIYADH/JEDDAH — The Indian community in the Kingdom celebrated the country's 66th 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.
The flag hoisting ceremony on the joyous occasion was organized in the Chancery premises. Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao hoisted the Indian national flag followed by rendition of national anthem and patriotic songs by the students of the International Indian School and International Indian Public School in Riyadh. The ambassador read out the president's message to the gathering of over 500 members of Indian community, friends of India and mission officials.
Earlier in his Republic Day message, carried in the local publications, he highlighted the fact that on this day in 1950, modern India was born and a resilient and a forward-looking constitution was adopted by our founding fathers.
He went on to write, “India is now emerging as the land of immense possibilities and unlimited opportunities. The government has set accelerating national economic development and ease in doing business its primary goals; placing equal emphasis on enhancing knowledge, skill, technology, innovation and research & development. This will ultimately contribute to enhancing employment opportunities, improving social and economic condition including quality of life.”
The Indian community in Jeddah too marked the day with enthusiasm at the Consulate of India premises.
A large number of people attended the event. There was an ambiance of brotherhood, unity and integrity among the people on this day.
Consul General BS Mubarak hoisted the Indian national flag and read out President Pranab Mukherjee's message to the nation.
The consulate echoed with the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” as the consul general unfurled the national flag. Every voice hummed to the patriotic anthem and ‘Jai Hind' sound.
Mubarak, in his speech, extended his sincere condolences to the royal family and the Saudi people on the sudden demise of King Abdullah.
In his speech, he recollected Mahatma Gandhi's moral and political leadership and the national Congress' “Purna Swaraj Resolution.”
The consul general highlighted the four Indian constitutional obligations of democracy, freedom of faith, gender equality and an economic surge for those trapped in the curse of dire poverty.
Quoting the president's message, Mubarak, emphasized that after three decades the people have voted to power a single party and it is now up to those who have been elected to honor this trust.
He said that the legislature reflects the will of the people.
He said that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, Subramanya Bharati and many more spoke the same language of patriotism though their vocation and approach differed.
“The nation salutes the unsung heroes who died securing the liberation of Mother India,” Mubarak said, quoting the president.
He emphasized the president's message on women calling on respect of women and said that every Indian must take a pledge to protect the honor of women from violence of any kind.
Further he added that a nation that respects and empowers its women can become a global power.
Mubarak's speech was followed by patriotic songs by the nightingales of International Indian School, Jeddah.
The young ladies sang melodiously the patriotic songs, “Ye Desh hai Veer Jawano ka”, “Mere Desh ki Darti “ and the consulate even rhymed with other patriotic numbers as “Nanha munna rahi hoon “ and many more too. Special refreshments were arranged for the attendees present.
Mubarak, the chief guest at the International Indian School Jeddah, unfurled the national flag, which was soon followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
The gathering in the premises of IISJ saluted the flag and pledged themselves to uphold the honor, integrity, diversity and uniqueness of India.
The Deputy Consul General, Mohammed Noor Rahman Shaikh, the School Observer, Mohammed Raquib Qureshi, distinguished guest, Chairman, Mohammed Raziq Abdul Vahid and members of the school's managing committee, Principal, Syed Masood Ahmed, school officials, representatives from media, staff, parents and students attended the program.
The consul general read out the president's message. The message called for eliminating poverty by adopting inclusive development, maintaining the honor of women from violence of any kind, repose trust in faith – equality. It was quoted from the president's message that – wisdom of India teaches us ‘unity is strength, dominance is weakness.'
It was concluded by stating that terrorism and violence are seeping across our borders while peace, non-violence and good neighborly intentions should remain the fundamentals of foreign policy. — With input from Munawarunnisa Nazneen
