India celebrates sixty years of Independence [Archives:2007/1077/Local News]
SANA'A, Aug. 15 ) The 60th Anniversary of India's Independence Day was celebrated yesterday, August 15, at the Embassy of India in Sana'a.
In a colorful function, attended by more than 450 Indian nationals, persons of Indian origin, and friends of India settled in around Sana'a, the Ambassador of India H. E. Mr. R. M. Aggarwal unfurled the Indian National Flag, and the children, of the Indian Embassy in School, sang the National Anthem. The ambassador also congratulated the gathering and the Indian community in Yemen. Worth-mentioning, there are about ten thousand Indian citizens, and 100,000 persons of Indian origin living in Yemen.
The Ambassador then read out the “Address to the Nation” delivered on the eve of Independence Day by Her Excellency Mrs. Pratibha Patil, the first woman President of India.
“Having traversed sixty long years since independence, it is time for us to introspect on the progress achieved so far and ponder over the future course of action. We have excelled in many areas; and in many others we still have immense scope for improvement,” said Mrs. Patil in her address.
In her address, she endorsed the importance of fostering equilibrium in diversity, which is the hallmark of democracy. “What sets our nation apart is that in spite of crises-crossing of a plethora of culture, languages, religions, customs, faith and traditions, our people are bound together in unison by a deep-rooted secular Indian identity,” she said.
The ceremony was followed by a Cultural program presented by children of the Indian Embassy School in Sana'a, who sung and danced to the tune of patriotic songs.
Simultaneously, in Aden there had been a flag hoisting ceremony at the Mahatma Gandhi School on the occasion.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Indian Independence, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations is sending cultural troupes to different parts of the world including Yemen. Two months back a Bharatanatyam group had visited Yemen and performed in Sana'a, Aden, and Hudeidah. An 8-member group, led by the renowned Indian artist Mohammad Ahmed will present a Qawwali (Traditional Islamic / Sufi music) performance on Friday, August 24, at 7:30 PM at the Cultural Center in Sana'a. The group will also perform in Aden on the Sunday, August 26, at 8:00 PM at the Palestine Hall.
Retrospectively, Father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Salvation of India lies in the elevation of her women.” It is indeed encouraging that assured representation has been provided to nearly one million women in local bodies in India.
——
[archive-e:1077-v:15-y:2007-d:2007-08-16-p:ln]
