Indian, Pak Gulf expats to mark independence days

Dubai, Aug.13 : Pakistani and Indian communities in the UAE are gearing up to celebrate their 62nd independence days of their countries this week.

According to Gulf News, The Pakistani community will mark its Independence Day on August 14.

The main gathering will be held at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and its Consulate General in Dubai. Flag hoisting ceremonies will be held at the missions at 8a.m. The event is open to community members.

The highlight of this year's Independence Day celebrations is a musical concert -- Jashn-e-Azadi Show -- which will be held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on Thursday.

Famous Pakistani film and television artists including Umar Sharif, Abraul Haq and Jawad Ahmad will perform.

The Pakistan Embassy and the Consulate will remain closed on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Indian Independence Day celebrations will be held on Friday, August 15 at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Indian High School in Dubai and other Indian cultural associations in the country.

The celebrations in Dubai will begin with the hoisting of the Indian flag by Consul General Venu Rajamony. He will read extracts from the address to the nation by the President of India following which there would be a cultural programme of patriotic songs and dance.

Similarly the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai has also organised a cultural evening at 7pm at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel.

The opening ceremony will feature Bollywood actress Hema Malini along with her daughters, who will perform the classical ballet Parampara.

Overseas Indian Cultural Congress yesterday announced this year's Rajeev Gandhi Awards to journalists and organisations for their support to the community.

Valley of Love bagged the award for the best social organisation, Sunita Menon (Gulf News), E.M. Ashraf (Kairali), Faisal Bin Ahmad (Asianet), Ahmad Sheriff (former IMF secretary), Riyasbabu (Khaleej Times) were nominated for the media section.

UAE President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory cable to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on his country's Independence Day.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent simillar cables to the Pakistani president.

ANI