JEDDAH: More than 1.6 million Indian expatriate workers across the Kingdom yesterday celebrated the 60th Republic Day with a variety of cultural programs reflecting the country’s unity in diversity.
Indian Ambassador M.O.H. Farook and Consul General Ahmed Sayeed Baba hoisted the national flag during celebrations in Riyadh and Jeddah to mark the occasion, and read out Indian President Pratibha Patil’s message to the nation.
The Republic Day is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Constitution, which governs India’s legislature, judiciary and execution.
Around 500 members of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, representing different regions of India, and the embassy officials with their families attended the Riyadh ceremony, which was held at the embassy premises in the Diplomatic Quarter.
The Boys Section of International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ), witnessed the largest celebration when IISJ children, supported by teachers, displayed a variety of parades, dances, drills and patriotic songs.
There was an impressive hoop drill by Class I-II girls. Holding yellow, blue, black, red and green hoops, each signifying peace, harmony, vitality, spirit and hope, the little children formulated an Olympic logo with Indian flag in the background and giving a message of sacrifice, peace and prosperity.
An art of perfection, synchronized with a sense of dedication to achieve goals and a message of fraternity, was very well displayed by Class VI-VIII girls in the form of a spectacular drill display.
Patriotic songs “Ye desh hai veer javanom ka,” “sare jahan se acha Hindustan hamara,” and “Nannha munna rahi hoom” aroused a spirit of patriotism among the nearly 5,000 spectators who thronged the school compound.
Class VI-VIII boys won the applause of the crowd through their marvelous gymnastic display, highlighting the need to build up a strong nation through martial arts, balanced approach, vigor and agility, and shouldering responsibility with readiness to take up challenges.
India’s unity in diversity was demonstrated by Class III-V boys through floats in a thrilling display of various regions of the country through costumes, celebrities and modules representing unique Indian culture. The focus was on India’s recent entry into space through Chandrayan-1.
Class III-V girls also enthused the crowd by a wonderful display of folklore dresses and dances from different states of India.
“An enthusiastic participation of over 700 students in the event has been well appreciated by one and all,” said acting Principal Syed Masood, adding that Consul General Baba congratulated staff and students for the spectacular show.
Cyril Tigga, consul for commercial affairs, emphasized the importance of holding such cultural programs regularly to enlighten children about the richness of their country’s culture. Journalist Mayeenkutty said the IISJ program was successful in highlighting the richness and multiplicity of Indian culture.
— With input from Mohammed Rasooldeen from Riyadh
