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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Celebrating India's 78th Independence Day

Celebrating India's 78th Independence Day

The event at India House in Manila was a reminder of India's journey over the past 78 years

Published Aug 26, 2024 01:09 am
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Members of the Indian diaspora with Ambassador-designate Shri Harsh K. Jain and Mme. Smt. Vandana Jain

To display patriotism and cultural pride, the Embassy of India in Manila commemorated the 78th Independence Day of India on Aug. 15, 2024 with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the India House, Makati City. The event was a vibrant celebration of India's cultural heritage and its journey as an independent nation.

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Ambassador-designate of India to the Philippines, H.E. Shri Harsh K. Jain, proudly hoisted the Indian national flag

The ambassador designate Shri Harsh K. Jain proudly hoisted the national flag, with the tricolor fluttering against the Manila sky. Following the flag-hoisting, the ambassador read out the address of the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. In his speech, the President extended heartfelt Independence Day greetings, saying, "I extend to you all my heartiest Independence Day greetings. I am delighted to see the nation prepare to celebrate the 78th Independence Day." He reflected on the significance of the day, noting how the sight of the tricolor unfurling "always thrills our hearts" and is "an expression of the joy of being part of our great nation."

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Ambassador-designate Shri Harsh K. Jain and his spouse, Smt. Vandana Jain

The President also highlighted India's remarkable economic progress, stating, "From 2021 to 2024, India has been among the fastest-growing major economies, with an average growth rate of eight percent annually." He expressed pride in India's accomplishments, emphasizing that "India has become the fifth-largest economy in the world, and we are also poised to become one of the top three economies soon."

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Karina Liza Babani, president of the Indian Ladies Club (ILC); Shweta Vaghnani, ILC secretary; Dr. Sadre Alam, first secretary for press, information, culture, and education at the Embassy of India; Kannan Chockalingam; and Vishnu Hathiramani, publisher of Popular Publishing House

The President also stressed the need for social justice, quoting Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: "We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well." He underscored the government's commitment to "ensuring justice for the victims of crime instead of focusing on punishment alone" and highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities, such as the PM-SURAJ and PM-JANMAN programs.

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Puran Prakash; Dileep Tiwari, president of the India Business Forum; Gowtham Baskaran, program director of Nityo Infotech; and Kannan Chockalingam, first secretary at the Embassy of India

The ceremony continued with a cultural performance, showcasing the rich and diverse traditions of India. This vibrant display of music and dance not only entertained the audience but also served as a reminder of the cultural depth that binds the Indian community worldwide. 

The event at India House in Manila was a reminder of India's journey over the past 78 years—from a nation awakening to its independence to a global powerhouse poised for even greater achievements. As the President eloquently put it, "It is their energy and enthusiasm that will help the nation scale new heights" as India moves forward into its next century of independence.

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Around 200 people from the Indian diaspora and friends of India attended the function
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Cultural performers entertained the guests during the celebration
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The local  staff of the Indian Embassy

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