RIYADH/JEDDAH: The Indian expat community celebrated the country’s 70th Independence Day with great enthusiasm in the Kingdom on Monday, with schoolchildren singing patriotic songs and the embassy screening patriotic documentaries.

Ahmad Javed, Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, hoisted the tricolor, followed by the rendition of the national anthem at the embassy premises in Riyadh.

The ambassador read out the president’s message to the gathering of more than 800 members of the Indian community, friends and mission officials.

Two short documentaries — ‘Spirit of Freedom’ and ‘Spirit of India’ — were also screened during the celebrations.

The Indian Consulate organized a colorful ceremony to mark the day in Jeddah. Consul General Noor Rahman Sheikh hoisted the national flag and read out the president’s message. 

A large number of Indian nationals attended the function. Children from the International Indian School, Jeddah sang patriotic songs and entertained the audience.

A special screening of video clips on “India at 70” was also organized for the public on the occasion.