Indians in Kazakhstan celebrate Republic Day in Sub-Zero temperatures
ASTANA. January 26. KAZINFORM The 61st Republic Day of India has been celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm in Astana, the young capital city of Kazakhstan earlier today; the press release of the Embassy said.
The programme commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan Shri Ashok Sajjanhar at the Embassy Residence. Notwithstanding the fact that the temperature was ranging around -31ºC, the ceremony was attended by a large cross-section of people including members of the Indian community, friends and supporters of India as well as officials of the Indian Embassy. The flag hoisting was followed by the National Anthem sung by all the people gathered for the ceremony and a few patriotic songs rendered by the ladies of the Embassy.
This was followed by a brief address by Ambassador Sajjanhar in the living room of the Embassy Residence. In his address, Ambassador Sajjanhar recounted the rapid strides that relations between India and Kazakhstan have taken over the last one year. President Nazarbayev was the Chief Guest at India's 60th Republic Day celebrations in Delhi in January 2009. This decision reflected the warmth and respect that the people and leadership of India have for President Nazarbayev as well as for the people of Kazakhstan.
It was decided during the visit to upgrade the level of bilateral relations to Strategic Partnership.
Ambassador Sajjanhar expressed the sincere hope that 2010 will also witness further strengthening and diversification of bilateral relations. He referred to the significant growth and progress that took place in India in 2009 notwithstanding the international economic crisis.
Celebration of the Republic Day despite the severity of the weather conditions helped the members of the Indian community to meet, interact and socialise with each other in a happy and joyous atmosphere.