NRIs celebrate Independence Day world over

Moscow, Aug 15 (UNI) The Indian community across the world celebrated the 62nd Independence Day today as the Indian Ambassadors to various countries hoisted the Tricolour and held cultural programmes.

The Ambassadors to various countries read out President Pratibha Patil's address delivered on the eve of Independence Day.

A large number of members of the Indian community were gathered at the Mission's premises in their respective countries to participate in the I-Day celebration.

Indian Ambassador to Russia P P Shukla hoisted the national flag here, near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, followed by rendition of the National Anthem. A group of students from the Moscow-based Central School (Kendriya Vidyalaya) sang patriotic songs.

In Dubai, Gireesh Kumar Sanghi, the Congress MP, was the Chief Guest at the function where 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 get-together.

In Kuwait, Ambassador M Ganapthi hoisted the National Flag and read out the President's message. Patriotic songs were belted out by school children and the Bohra community brass band played various songs.

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.

Similarly, the Indian Ambassador to Thailand, Latha Reddy, hoisted the Tricolour and read out the President's address to Indians settled there. Children from international schools for NRIs sang patriotic songs on the occasion.

The Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, S Jaishankar, also read out the President's address to NRI's there.

On the occasion of Independence Day, the Indian government has provided 30 ambulances, eight buses and a large number of educational books and other materials worth Rs 30 million to various Nepali hospitals, NGOs and cultural and educational organisations.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Rakesh Sood, presented the gifts to the recipient organisations at a function at the Indian Mission in Kathmandu.

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