E-Paper
Indians in Gulf mark 59th Independence Day
The Indian diaspora across the Emirates thronged Indian missions that were venues for the flag-hoisting ceremonies.
The nearly four million Indians in the Gulf marked Independence Day with cultural programmes and flag hoisting as media reports highlighted India's achievements and the close ties with the UAE.
The Indian diaspora across the Emirates thronged the Indian missions that were venues for the flag-hoisting ceremonies.
Newspapers all across the region brought out special supplements carrying articles highlighting the progress made by India.
In Abu Dhabi, Indian ambassador C. M. Bhandari unfurled the tricolour and read out the address of President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on the occasion.
He highlighted the contribution of Indians in the development of the United Arab Emirates and also stressed on the close bilateral ties.
Two-way India-UAE trade has increased from $8 billion to $12 billion in 2004-05, a 40 percent growth, he noted.
Consul general Yash Sinha hoisted the Indian flag in Dubai in the presence of more than 3,000 people. This was followed by an hour-long cultural programme by children from various Indian schools and cultural organisations.
In Oman, Indian ambassador Ashok Kumar Attri hoisted the national flag at a public ceremony at the Indian School, Muscat, which was attended by a large gathering of the Indian community from all walks of life.
Children from the five Indian schools in Muscat sang patriotic songs.
Attri highlighted the various programmes being arranged in Oman coinciding with the 50th anniversary of establishment of India-Oman diplomatic relations.
Acknowledging the positive contribution of the Indian community to the development of Oman, he complimented them for projecting a positive image of India through their hard work.
