India celebrates 63rd Independence Day
India achieved independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. Celebrations of Independence Day in India transcend all class, communal, regional and religious considerations and are marked with enormous zeal and enthusiasm in all parts of the country and abroad. The main celebration takes place in New Delhi, in the capitals of the various states as well as in Indian Embassies located around the world, a press release of the Indian Embassy in Astana reads.
H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India will hoist the National Flag at the majestic ramparts of the Red Fort and address all Indians in the country and abroad. This tradition has been followed since 1947 when the first Prime Minister of India Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the National Flag at the Red Fort and addressed the Nation.
Today, the celebrations in Delhi are watched with interest by the whole world as India is the largest democracy and a growing world power. Celebrations continue for a whole week with cultural programmes to pay tribute to and honour the veterans of India's freedom movement who sacrificed their lives for gaining independence.
The Independence Day celebrations will begin with an address by President of India Mrs. Pratibha Devising Patil on the evening of 14th August, 2009. The festivities on Independence Day include singing of National Anthem and patriotic songs, parade by security forces in state capitals and district headquarters all over the country.
In Kazakhstan, India's Independence Day will be celebrated at the Residence of H.E. Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar, Ambassador located at Villa No.56, Karaotkel-2, Astana on Saturday, 15th August, 2009. The ceremony will commence with the Flag Hoisting by H.E. Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar, Ambassador at 1000 hrs followed by singing of National Anthem and patriotic songs. Ambassador will briefly address the gathering before telecast of the Address to the Nation by the President of India. Indian delicacies and tea will be served as refreshments.
This year the Independence Day celebrations have assumed a special significance. This will be the first celebration of Independence Day after the Government of Dr. Manmohan Singh came back with a renewed and stronger majority after the elections in April-May, 2009. The Prime Minister has expressed strong determination to bring the economy of the country back to the earlier growth levels of 9% in the shortest possible time.
Moreover, President Nazarbayev's visit to India as the Chief Guest at India's 60th Republic Day celebrations in January, 2009 upgraded the traditionally cordial and friendly relations between the two countries to the level of Strategic Partnership. To mark this event, the Embassy and LB Associates have jointly published a special issue titled "India-Kazakhstan: The Strategic Partners". This special publication will be available on this occasion.
On the auspicious occasion of Independence Day, the Embassy of India has the honour to reiterate to the friendly people of Kazakhstan the assurances of India's commitment to continued cooperation, goodwill and friendship. The Embassy would like to convey warm greetings and sincere felicitations as well as best wishes for peace, prosperity and good health to all our Kazakhstani friends and partners.
All Indian nationals, friends and well-wishers of India along with their families, including children are cordially invited to assemble at the Residence of H.E.Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar, Ambassador of India at 0945 hrs to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.