New Delhi: Indians across the world were soaked in the spirit of patriotism as they celebrated the 66th Republic Day with fervour, unfurling the tri-colour while the national anthem playing in the background and organising cultural festivities to mark the occasion.
The activities this year will begin with the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to China in the next few weeks and Modi’s visit later this year, he said. The two countries have strengthened ties in all areas, including in the political, strategic, economic and cultural spheres, Kantha said. “Several new areas of cooperation emerged during President Xi Jinping’s visit to India, including in railways and industrial parks, where we are seeing good progress,” he said.
The tri-colour fluttered proudly across South East Asia as Indian nationals, ethnic Indians and friends of India gathered to celebrate the Republic Day at the Indian missions in the region.
In China, Indian Ambassador Ashok K Kantha hoisted the tri-colour at the Indian Embassy in Beijing and spoke of “remarkable progress” made in India-China relations. Kantha, who read President Pranab Mukherjee’s address, said 2014 witnessed remarkable dynamism and progress in the bilateral relations. “
In Bangkok, India’s Ambassador to Thailand Harsh Vardhan Shringla hoisted the national flag at the Embassy premises where over 500 people cheered as rose petals dropped when the Tri-colour unfurled to the strains of the national anthem.
Patriotic songs, poetry recital and cultural programmes were staged after Shringla read out excerpts of the President’s address to the nation. Thai media also gave a wide coverage to the Republic Day celebrations. Radio Thailand also aired the Ambassador’s message on the occasion in their morning and afternoon news programme.
In Hanoi, India’s envoy to Vietnam Preeti Saran held an open house for the Indian community. She hoisted the flag and then read the President’s address. At least 150 members of the Indian community attended the function.
The national flags were unfurled across other embassies and high commissions in Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines and Brunei.
In Tokyo, India’s Ambassador to Japan, Deepa Wadhwa, hoisted the tri-colour at the embassy where over 300 people attended the ceremony. After the flag hoisting ceremony, school children staged cultural programmes and sang patriotic songs.
In Singapore, over 400 Indian community leaders and students joined the High Commissioner Vijay Thakur Singh in celebrating the Republic Day this morning. Singh led the ceremony of hoisting the flag followed by cultural performances. In Egypt, India’s Ambassador Navdeep Suri hoisted the national flag at the embassy and then read out the President’s address. Speaking on the occasion, Suri emphasised on the strong bilateral relations between India and Egypt.
In Abu Dhabi, people wearing costumes representing Indian historical figures and the diverse culture of India made the 66th Indian Republic Day celebrations in the UAE a special one. Around 1,000 Indian expatriates gathered at the Indian Embassy premises on Monday morning to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
T P Seetharam, Ambassador of India, hoisted the national flag, which was followed by the singing of the national anthem by students from various Indian schools. Seetharam read out the address of the President of India to the nation, delivered on the eve of Republic Day.
 In The US, Charge D’ Affaires Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu paid floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on January 26 on the occasion of India’s 66th Republic Day. He then unfurled the National Flag, followed by singing of the National Anthem.
President Pranab Mukherjee’s Address to the Nation was also shown and several dignitaries, including the Taranjit Singh Sandhu; Rep Ed Royce, Chairman, HFAC and Rep George Holding, co-chair House India Caucus, addressed the guest.
Republic Day was also celebrated at other Indian missions in the US including the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York and the Indian Consulates in New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta and San Francisco.
In Indonesia, the 66th Republic Day was marked at the Embassy of India in Jakarta, the Consulate General of India in Bali and the Consulate General of India in Medan with traditional gaiety and fervour. His Excellency Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India to Indonesia and Timor Leste hoisted the National Flag at the Embassy premises and similar ceremonies took place at the Indian Consulates in Bali and Medan. Â
President of India’s address was read out by the Ambassador and the Consul Generals in the respective places. The Ambassador also inaugurated Sahabat India: The Festival of India in Indonesia 2015, which will run from January to May 2015. He noted that the Festival will bring the vibrancy and vigour of India’s social, economic and cultural engagement with the friendly country of Indonesia to a new level.
In Belgium, the Embassy of India, Brussels celebrated the Republic Day by hosting a reception in its premises on the eve of the national day, followed by the Flag Hoisting Ceremony
Honorary Consul Generals of India (Antwerp and Luxembourg), CEOs, Directors and Heads of Indian companies, Secretaries of Indian Associations (Belgium and Luxembourg) and Indian citizens celebrated the day. The Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri also read the excerpts from President’s address.
In Uzbekistan, Ambassador A Gitesh Sarma hoisted the National Flag at the Chancery premises. Around 250 Indian nationals attended the event. Recorded speech of President for the nation delivered on the eve of Republic Day was played and thereafter Ambassador addressed the gathering which was followed by refreshments.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister David Cameron hailed the long-lasting relationship between the UK and India while wishing Indians a Happy Republic Day. He said in a special message: “I send my warmest wishes to everyone in India, the UK and around the world celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Republic Day.â€
“As millions of people mark this important milestone we can reflect on the enduring and special relationship between our two nations – the world’s oldest democracy and its largest,” he said from 10 Downing Street.
(With inputs from PTI)