Washington, DC: Several hundred Indian Americans gathered in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC to attend the traditional flag hoisting ceremony by Deputy Indian Ambassador to the US Amit Kumar.
Indian Americans on Sunday celebrated the 71st Republic Day of their homeland across the country with great fervor by hoisting national flag amid the singing of the national anthem and patriotic songs after gathering in large numbers in various US cities. Several hundred Indian Americans gathered in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC to attend the traditional flag hoisting ceremony by Deputy Indian Ambassador to the US Amit Kumar.
Before hoisting the tricolor amid the singing of patriotic songs by students of Gandharva School of Music in Richmond, the Indian diplomat paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the embassy. He also addressed the gathering and read out the address of the President of India delivered on the eve of the Republic Day. Enthusiastic Indian Americans and family members of Indian Embassy officials also enthralled the audience by their performance in a cultural program.
Indian Americans also celebrated the Republic Day in various universities having Indian student associations, besides various cities and towns having a sizable Indian population.
Newly-appointed Consul General of India Aseem R Mahajan, who assumed office a few days ago, welcomed Houstonians at the flag-hoisting ceremony in the morning and unfurled the National Flag. Consul General Aseem R Mahajan read the address of President Ram Nath Kovind.
On Sunday evening, a reception to commemorate the 71st Republic Day was organized by the consulate and attended by Congressman Al Green, Fort Bend County Judge K P George, Representative of Senator John Cornyn, Sugarland Mayor besides over 300 Indian-Americans.
“Honored to raise the Indian flag during the Republic Day flag ceremony at the India House! 71 years ago the world’s largest democracy emerged and brought forth a culture of unity and acceptance,” said Congressman Pete Olson at the Republic Day celebrations in Houston.
“As Indians and Indian-Americans across the world celebrate” Republic Day “today let us dedicate ourselves to the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, and renew our commitment to each other and our community,” said Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.
“Wishing the people of India a joyous Republic Day. The US and India are close partners in the Indo-Pacific and our people share unbreakable bonds of friendship,” tweeted Alice G Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. (PTI)
