With the same enthusiasm and patriotic fervor that marks the day back home, the Indian community in the Kingdom that comprise about 1.8 million expatriates, celebrated their country's 61st Republic Day Tuesday. In one of the largest celebrations of its kind, the International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) hosted a program Tuesday that began with the hoisting of the Indian flag by Indian Consul General Sayeed Ahmed Baba, followed by the singing of the Indian national anthem. In keeping with tradition, Suraiya Baba, the consul general's wife, was requested to release white pigeons, symbolic of freedom and peace. Indian President Pratibha Patil's address to the nation on Republic Day, which was read out by Consul General Baba, carried her greetings to fellow citizens across India, including those living abroad. The message, a reminder of the values of democracy, non-violence, rule of law, and unity in diversity that India stands for, also touched upon the major issues facing the country today, such as, climate change, economic growth, social justice, physical infrastructure, corruption, food prices, empowerment of women, role of media and security concerns, among other urgent issues. In her message, referring to the next decade as the “deciding decade,” President Patil urged all Indians to “do their work with a sense of responsibility, discipline, integrity of mind and purpose as well as with a spirit of cooperation”. Syed Masood Ahmad, IISJ principal, urged Indians to develop a “patriotic fervor and to build for themselves a better future”. He said about 500 boys and girls of class 1 to 12 of IISJ had been rehearsing for a month for the spectacular show that included a march past, patriotic songs and dance, colorful drill displays and a thrilling gymnastics performance, with each presentation demonstrating messages of patriotism, fraternity, and unity in diversity. In Riyadh, Talmiz Ahmad, Ambassador of India, hoisted the Indian national flag at a function in the embassy premises. The ambassador expressed his commitment to further strengthening of multi-faceted Indo-Saudi bilateral relations and rendering best possible services to the Indian diaspora in the Kingdom as well as redressing their grievances. The ambassador also inaugurated a painting exhibition on the theme of “Indo-Arab Culture.” India celebrates its Republic Day on Jan. 26 every year to commemorate the founding of its Constitution, the supreme law of India governing its legislature, executive and judiciary. Shakeel Ahmed, Indian education consul and Observer of IISJ; other consuls; Salah Karadan, IISJ managing committee (MC) chairman; other MC members; IISJ HM's of various blocks and other dignitaries graced the occasion as did the IISJ staff, students and their parents.
