Embassy of India

Muscat

PRESS RELEASE

Indian Embassy celebrates 70th Anniversary of Independence of India

Embassy of India, Muscat, celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Independence of India on 15 August 2017. H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, unfurled the Indian Flag, in the morning at the premises of Embassy, in the presence of over 400 members of Indian Community in Oman. In the evening, the Embassy hosted a grand Reception, celebrating 70 years of India’s Independence, with H.E. Ahmed Nasser Hamad Al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman as the Chief Guest.

After unfurling the National Flag, Ambassador read out a message from the President of India to the nation on the occasion. Ambassador greeted the Indian Community in Oman and thanked them for their outstanding contributions in strengthening India’s friendly relations with Oman. He expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the Indian community to the Embassy, including volunteers and social workers from within the community. He also reiterated the commitment of the Embassy to do its best in delivery of consular and community welfare services to the Indian community in Oman. Ambassador 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 National Anthem and other patriotic songs. Some members of Indian community also recited patriotic poems. The celebration also witnessed the launching of Brahma Kumari’s global campaign for goodness and happiness, “7 Billion Acts of Goodness”, in Oman. Ambassador interacted with the members of Indian community individually and thanked them for joining the celebration.

Indian Embassy also organized a grand Reception on the occasion of 70thAnniversary of India at Sheraton Hotel in the evening of 15th August. The Reception was joined by around 450 guests including prominent dignitaries from Oman, members of the diplomatic community, prominent members of Indian community and media. Ambassador, in his address, thanked the Government and people of Oman for their cooperation in expanding India’s strategic partnership of Oman and for their warmth and benevolence towards the Indian community in Oman. Chief Guest H.E. Ahmed Nasser Hamad Al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, and Omani dignitaries, including Members of Majlis Al-Dowla and Majlis Al-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 Head Quarters, joined Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey in the customary cake cutting. A series of Indian classical dance ‘Kathak’ performances by a popular troupe from India, led by Dinesh Poddar, was presented for the guests. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner having an array of Indian cuisines.  The Embassy also screened recorded videos of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the National Flag at Red Fort in New Delhi and other videos related to India.

Indian Schools in Oman also celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Independence of India in their unique ways in presence of thousands of students, teachers and parents. Other Celebrations were also organized by Indian communities in other cities of Oman. In celebration of 70 years of India’s Independence, a number of other events have also been planned during the coming days.

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Muscat, 16 August 2017