E-Paper
Indian diaspora celebrates R-Day with fervour, gaiety
Unfurling of the national tricolour, cultural programmes and festivities marked the 60th Republic Day celebrated by the Indian community all over the world with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.
Unfurling of the national tricolour, cultural programmes and festivities marked the 60th Republic Day celebrated by the Indian community all over the world with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.
At a ceremony at the Indian embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Nirupama Rao hoisted the national flag and read out President Pratibha Patil's address to the nation.
Children from the local cultural group 'Gurukul' rendered patriotic songs. Members of the Indian community and officials of the embassy gathered to celebrate the day.
Indian missions in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong also marked the occasion.
In the Sri Lankan capital city of Colombo, some 250 people attended a function organised by the Indian High Commission. A BSF contingent staged a march past after High Commissioner Alok Prasad unfurled the tricolour.
The Indian High Commission in Islamabad also organised a Republic Day ceremony where envoy Satyabrata Pal hoisted the national flag. Screening of a special film and cultural events were the other highlights of the day.
However, the High Commission had to cancel a reception planned to be held at a five-star city hotel due a serious threat perception, officials said.
Some 400 Indians from all parts of Israel descended to the northern coastal city of Herzliya to mark the day with pomp and gaiety.
India's Ambassador Navtej Sarna hoisted the tricolour, which was followed by a cultural programme with the 'Namaste Israel' dance group performing to the tunes of latest Bollywood hit numbers.
