Ambassador' Speech for 75th Independence Day Celebration at the Embassy on 15 August 2021

Distinguished members of the Indian community in Oman;

I warmly welcome all of you, who have joined us virtually to celebrate 75th Independence Day of India. On behalf of the Government of India and the Indian Embassy in Oman, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to you and your family members on this momentous occasion.

 ओमान में  रह रहे  भारतीय समुदाय  के सदस्यों  को ७५वे  स्वतंत्रता  दिवस के  शुभ अवसर  पर बधाई  एवं हार्दिक  शुभकामनायें।

2. I also extend warm greetings and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik and the Government and People of Oman for continued peace, progress and prosperity of Oman. I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Government of Oman for excellent support and cooperation during the pandemic.

3. The world is still suffering from the impact of COVID19 pandemic. For the safety of everyone and taking into account the COVID19 protocols, we are marking this year’s Independence Day celebration virtually. However, this has not affected our enthusiasm and energy to celebrate this momentous occasion.

4. The 75 years of India’s Independence is being celebrated as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Amrit Mahotsav is a celebration of India’s achievements in last 75 years. It is fitting that India’s Presidency of the United Nations Security Council coincides with this special occasion.

5. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abiyan (Self Reliant India), which was announced by PM Modi in the wake of COVID19 pandemic has now evolved into a major program for enhancing national capacities of India. India’s diaspora across the world including in Oman will be an important partner in the national endeavor towards self-reliance.

6. India’s fight against COVID has been characterized by compassion and resilience. The largest vaccine drive in the world, which has no parallel in the history of mankind, crossed an important milestone this month as more than 500 million doses have been administered.

7. India also shouldered its global responsibilities. India provided essential medicines and COVID vaccines to several countries including Oman, in line with our guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the entire world is one family. Oman also supported India’s fight against COVID19 during the second wave by providing essential medical equipment and medicines. We are also grateful to the Indian diaspora in Oman for their continuous support and their COVID contribution to India.

8. The silver-lining of this pandemic has been, that it has united us in fighting this pandemic. It was inspiring to see the whole community coming together and helping each other. The Indian Social Club and its Linguistic Wings, other community organizations as well as individual members of the community have played important role in combating the challenges emanating from the pandemic and supporting the community.

9. India-Oman cooperation during COVID has been reflective of the special, millenia-old friendship, which has evolved into a vibrant and multifaceted strategic partnership. In a fitting tribute to the chief architect of India-Oman strategic partnership and in recognition of his seminal role in enhancing regional peace, India announced in March 2021 the conferment of the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 on His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

10. India attaches high importance to its strategic partnership with Oman. There is a strong desire among the leaderships and peoples of India and Oman to further expand and deepen our strategic partnership. As Oman seeks to realize its Vision 2040 and India marches ahead on the path towards self-reliance, the opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation are abundant. We look forward to working closely with Government of Oman under the leadership of HM Sultan Haitham and hope that India-Oman bilateral cooperation will reach new heights in coming years.

11. Let me now read excerpts from the address of the President to the Nation.

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I once again wish you and your families a very Happy Independence Day. Thank you, Jai Hind!