| Indian Embassy hosts Republic Day celebrations |
| | Wed, 26 Jan 2011 |
| |  |
| |
KUWAIT: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait organized festivities Wednesday morning to commemorate the 62nd Republic Day of India. The event began with the unfurling of the Indian flag by the Indian Ambassador Ajai Malhotra followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
Ambassador Malhotra read out the Address to the Nation by the President of India Pratibha Patil, and addressed the Indian nationals assembled at the embassy. The event was attended by Indians of every religion and from all walks of life - domestic helpers, blue collar workers, professionals as well as entrepreneurs.
Reading the President's speech, Ambassador Malhotra said that Jan. 26 is a very significant date in India's calendar, "when we recall with gratitude the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and the work of our Founding Fathers, for giving to us a country where our dignity and individual freedoms are guaranteed by an enlightened Constitution."
He added, "We are fortunate that we are the inheritors of the ideals and values of one of the world's oldest civilizations, which has bequeathed to us a rich treasure of human experiences and thought", pointing out the need to evolve and "the need for national consensus on critical national goals like eradication of poverty, empowerment of women, access to quality education and affordable health facilities."
He further noted, "Urban and rural development schemes will make our cities and villages sustainable habitats. Programs for women, the youth, the girl child, the differently-able and marginalized sections of society will equip them to avail of opportunities and face the future with confidence. We need to address the problems of orphans and street children, as well as of the old and destitute."
Speaking on security issues, Ambassador Malhotra said, "Terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of humankind. India will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues."
Referring to bilateral ties between India and Kuwait, Ambassador Malhotra stated: "India-Kuwait relations are exemplary, characterized by warmth, mutual respect and understanding. They have a solid foundation in the long-standing and deep-rooted friendship between our peoples and civilizations. Our special relationship extends beyond historical and cultural linkages to encompass political, trade and economic interests."
He further remarked, "Our special relationship extends beyond historical and cultural linkages to encompass political, trade and economic interests. India-Kuwait trade has reached 10.5 billion US dollars, and is dominated by oil exports from Kuwait. An important partner in meeting India's energy needs, Kuwait annually provides 10-11 percent of our crude oil imports. Even in non-oil trade terms India has consistently been among Kuwait's top trading partners. As our interaction intensifies, fresh opportunities are opening up in sectors like IT, manpower development, hospitality, and medical tourism."
He expressed gratitude for the benevolence bestowed on the 640,000 member Indian community by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and for the goodwill of the friendly people of Kuwait. He congratulated the Amir on the upcoming 50/20 celebrations.
He praised the growth rate witnessed by the Indian economy "which is set to expand to $2 trillion in 2013-2014. Prudent fiscal stimulus and macroeconomic management have enabled India to emerge as an anchor of global economic stability and its rapidly growing markets and rising productivity are central to future world economic growth."
He called on Kuwaiti investors to consider investing in India. He said, "Despite an uncertain global economic scenario, the Indian economy grew 8.9 percent in the first half of 2010-2011. India stands out as one of a few countries where substantial growth is occurring and profits are being made. It has one of the most liberal and transparent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policies among emerging economies and many recent studies rate India as one of the world's most attractive FDI destinations. India's next five-year plan, starting in 2013, assigns $1 trillion for infrastructure development, with half of it likely to come from private funds."
The Ambassador also addressed the audience in Hindi. The end of his speech was marked by cheers from the audience that said "Jai Hind" (Hail India) and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" (Hail Mother India).
His speech was followed by patriotic songs by students of Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Jabriya Indian School and Integrated Indian School and a performance by an all-girls brass band of the Indian Community School.
The festivities were followed by an Open House reception where the Ambassador and embassy officials mingled with the 5000 attendees.
Later during the day, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to President Patil and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah sent similar cables.
|