Indian Independence Day celebrated

MUSCAT, AUGUST 16 - Ahmed bin Nasser al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, was the Chief Guest at celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence Day on Tuesday. Also in attendance were members of the State Council and Majlis Ash’shura, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Sultan’s Armed Forces Headquarters. They joined Indian Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey at the customary cake cutting. Earlier, Ambassador Pandey unfurled the Indian Flag at the premises of the embassy in the presence of over 400 Indian nationals in Oman. The Ambassador read out a message from the President of India to the nation on the occasion. He also greeted the Indians in Oman and thanked them for their outstanding contributions in strengthening India’s friendly relations with Oman. Ambassador Pandey also led the gathering in taking a pledge to create a ‘New India’ that is strong, prosperous and inclusive. Students of Indian School Al Ghubra led the gathering in singing the Indian national anthem and other patriotic songs. The celebration also witnessed the launching of Brahma Kumari’s global campaign for goodness and happiness, “7 Billion Acts of Goodness”, in Oman. Later in the evening, the embassy hosted a grand reception at the Sheraton Hotel attended by around 450 guests. Ambassador Pandey, in his address, thanked the government and people of Oman for their cooperation in expanding India’s strategic partnership with Oman and for their warmth and benevolence towards the Indian community in Oman. A series of Indian classical dance ‘Kathak’ performances by a popular troupe from India, led by Dinesh Poddar, was presented on the occasion. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner featuring an array of Indian cuisines. Indian Schools in Oman also celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Independence of India in their unique ways in the presence of thousands of students, teachers and parents. In celebration of 70 years of India’s Independence, a number of other events have also been planned during the coming days.