Gulf Indians celebrate Republic Day

Dubai, Jan 26 (UNI) Thousands of expatriate Indians in the Gulf celebrated the Republic Day today, attending flag-hoisting ceremonies in the Embassies and organising cultural functions.

The Indian Ambassador to the UAE Talmiz Ahmed and the Consul General in Dubai Venu Rajamony raised the tricolour at functions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, attended by a cross section of the people.

The Consulate's year-long celebrations to mark 60 years of freedom had a grand-finale last night at a concert where the star attractions were Asha Bhosle, SP Balasubramaniam and K J Yesudas-- all Padma recipients.

The Gulf News and Khaleej Times brought out special supplements to mark the occasion.

In Kuwait, Ambassador M Ganapathi unfurled the national flag at the Embassy. Children from Indian schools sang patriotic songs, followed by an open house. Some 3,500 Indians from all walks of life attended the ceremony.

The embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman also organised similar functions marked by cultural programmes and reading of President Pratibha Devisingh Patil's message to the nation.

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