India’s Ambassador to Qatar, H E P. Kumaran, addressing a gathering held to celebrate India’s 71st Republic Day, at the Embassy of India, in Doha, yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula
The Ambassador of India to Qatar, H E P. Kumaran, hoisted the National Flag to celebrate 71st Republic Day of India at the premises of the Embassy yesterday.
The event was attended by over 700 people including prominent businessmen, students of Indian schools, members of the Indian community and guests.
Students from Indian schools wearing traditional dresses sang national anthem and patriotic songs. The Ambassador also cut a cake with children to mark the day.
The first Republic Day of India was celebrated on January 26, 1950 about two months after adoption of the longest written constitution of the world.
The ambassador addressed the gathering and read the address by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind on the eve of 71st Republic Day.
“Our Constitution gave us rights as citizens of a free democratic nation, but also placed on us the responsibility to always adhere to the central tenets of our democracy — justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. It becomes easier for us to follow these constitutional ideals, if we keep in mind the life and values of the Father of our Nation. By doing so, we will be adding a meaningful dimension to our celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji,” the President of India said in the written message read out at the ceremony.
“Another source of pride for our country has been our diaspora. During my visits abroad, I have observed that Indians have not only brought prosperity to their adopted lands, they have also enhanced India’s image before the world community. Many of them have made great contributions in a wide variety of endeavours,” the President’s message said.
“Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals remain relevant in our nation-building efforts. It should be part of our daily routine to introspect on Gandhiji’s message of truth and nonviolence, which has become all the more necessary in our times.”
“The idea of the world as a large well-knit family, captured in our message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, strengthens our relations with other nations. We have been sharing our democratic ideals and the fruits of our development with the entire world,” the President’s message said.
“As India and Indians march forward, we remain committed to engaging the global community to build a secure and prosperous future for ourselves and for the entire humanity.”
