Gulf Indians celebrate Independence Day

Dubai, Aug 15 (UNI) The three million-strong Indian population residing in the Gulf Arab states today celebrated Independence Day by hoisting the tricolour and holding cultural functions.

In Dubai, Gireesh Kumar Sanghi, the Congress MP, was the Chief Guest at the function where the Consel General Venu Rajamony unfurled the tricolour. The function was attended by a large number of NRIs from various walks of life, followed by a cultural function.

Major newspapers like the Khaleej Times and Gulf News took out special supplements highlighting the progress of India in 61 years of freedom.

In Kuwait the ambassador M Ganapthi hoisted the National Flag and read out the President's message. Patriotic songs were sung by school children and the Bohra community brass band played various songs. The function was followed by an open house which was attended by 10,000 Indian nationals according to a release by the embassy.

In the other GCC states like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain, similar functions were held and the main English dailies brought out special issues to mark the occasion. Today, being Friday and a holiday here, the functions were well attended by the expatriate community.

UNI XC PD KP1439