Indians celebrate Republic Day across the Kingdom

Indian nationals across the Kingdom donned patriotic colors as they celebrated their country’s 64th “Republic Day” yesterday, unfurling the national tri-color flag and congratulating each other on the occasion. Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao hoisted the flag at the Indian Embassy here in the presence of a large number of diplomats and Indian expatriates and their families.
After unfurling the flag, Ambassador Rao read out Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the gathering, followed by traditional greetings. “I extend warm greetings to all of you in India and abroad,” said President Mukherjee in his speech read out by the Indian envoy. “In the last six decades there is much that has happened that we can be proud of,” said the president.
He said that the economic growth rate had more than tripled in India and the literacy rate had increased by over four times. “After having attained self-sufficiency, now we are net exporters of grain,” said Mukherjee, while referring to the great strides made by India in different fields. He said that each challenge becomes an opportunity to strengthen resolve to achieve unprecedented economic growth and social stability.
Ambassador Rao said that the embassy’s first priority is to serve Indian workers, who are in distress in the Kingdom.
“We have been holding open house sessions periodically to hear the problems faced by our workers and find solutions on the spot,” said the envoy, calling on all Indian expatriates, suffering from labor-related problems or consular issues, to participate in the open house.
He also called upon the community to behave in a manner “befitting how India needs to be perceived.” He also asked them to exercise vigilance and caution as well as to comply with the rules and regulations of the host government. After the unfurling of the national flag, a group of young boys and girls sang the national anthem.
Meanwhile, India’s expatriate community in Jeddah gathered in the International Indian school (Boys Section) early yesterday morning to kick off the celebrations. 
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, consul general of India unfurled the country’s national flag to mark the event followed by the recital of the national anthem at the school.
“We are all equal and the consulate attaches equal importance and respect to all Indians in the Kingdom irrespective of their professions, and it extends the best possible services to every one of them,” said Kidwai.
“India’s democratic ideals have been the biggest achievement of the country during 64 years of independence,” said Kidwai. “Economic growth of the country also gives confidence to the people.”
Pupils from International Indian School, Jeddah performed acrobatics, danced on traditional tunes as well as drills and demonstrations carried out to the booming of drums. Parents thronged the school pitch to catch a glimpse of the children following dance steps. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Province, the Republic Day was celebrated with traditional fervor at the International Indian Schools in Dammam and Jubail.
Hundreds of Indians, men and women, accompanied by their colorfully attired children attended the well-orchestrated parade and cultural programs at IISD Boys Section in Al-Raka district.
IISD Managing Committee Chairman Thiru K.M. was the chief guest. He unfurled the Indian flag and addressed the community. “It was a proud moment for me to unfurl the tricolor,” he told Arab News.
Indian missions in the six Gulf states also celebrated the occasion with great fanfare.