Kuwait, August 16: The celebrations to mark the 64th Independence day of India in Kuwait commenced early in the morning of August 15, 2010, with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Ambassador of India, H E Mr Ajai Malhotra. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The Ambassador thereafter read the address to the nation by the Hon’ble President of India and briefly addressed the gathering. This was followed by the singing of patriotic songs by members of the Indian community in Kuwait. A visualization of ‘Mile sur mera Thumhara..’ choreographed by Suresh G Saliyan added colors to the celebration.
Despite the early hour and the oppressive heat, several thousand Indian citizens turned up for the open-air function in order to show their love and respect for their motherland. Reflecting India’s rich ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural diversity, Indians from all segments of the community in Kuwait participated with joy and enthusiasm in the celebrations. Amongst them were domestic workers, engineers, doctors, technicians, traders, businessmen, and officials besides representatives of the nearly 130 Indian associations in Kuwait. Amongst those drawing attention were an Indian who had taken part in the freedom struggle leading to India’s independence in 1947, a patriotic attired as Mahatma Gandhi, and an elderly gentleman in a wheel chair. In honors of India’s Independence day, a young worker Mr Kalyan, presented a painting depicting Mahatma Gandhi, Shaheed Bhagat Sing, and Netaji Subhash Bose, which the Ambassador assured would be given pride of place in the Embassy premises.
Addressing the gatherings, Ambassador Ajai Malhotra extended his warmest greetings to all members of the Indian community in Kuwait and thanked many dear Kuwaiti friends who had conveyed good wishes on the occasion. He noted that close and friendly ties between Indian and Kuwait went back several centuries and extended beyond historical and cultural linkages to encompass political, trade and economic interest.
Ambassador Sri Ajai Malhotra saluted the hard work, accomplishments and disciplined efforts of the 600,000 strong Indian in Kuwait. He expressed deep gratitude for the benevolence bestowed on the Indian community by the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Ambassador also outlined numerous changes introduced over the past year to make the Embassy’s welfare and consular services even more sensitive and responsive to the needs of the community.
courtesy-www.Indiansinkuwait.com