August 15, 1947 is a historically significant date in India’s continuing journey of growth and independence. On this day, India received independence after around 90 years of British rule. With the efforts of many patriots and revolutionists, India is now called a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic country.
India’s 78th Independence Day was marked with great enthusiasm in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). As the Saudi Press Agency reported, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sent a cable of congratulations to President Droupadi Murmu on the anniversary of her country’s Independence Day. The King and the Crown Prince wished the Indian President continued good health and happiness and the government and people of the Republic of India steady progress and prosperity.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with patriotic fervor. Despite it being a working day in Saudi Arabia and the intense heat, men, women, and children assembled in large numbers in colorful costumes. This vibrant celebration, marked with patriotic fervor at India Embassy in Saudi Arabia, is not just a local event but a powerful testament to the global recognition of this historic day. This moment fills us all with pride and a sense of being acknowledged.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh, a beacon of Indian culture and community in Saudi Arabia, played a pivotal role in observing the 78thIndependence Day of India with a grand celebration. Over 500 people, including Embassy officials, journalists, and members of the Indian community, attended the event, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among all present. The Embassy’s significant role in this celebration is a source of immense pride and connection for the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia.
The festivities began with Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan hoisting the Indian tricolor and delivering the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu’s message to the nation fostered a profound sense of pride and unity among the attendees.
In his address, the Ambassador highlighted the growing ties between India and Saudi Arabia and extended best wishes to the Indian diaspora. He also emphasized the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “the world is one family.”
Addressing the audience after the President’s message, the Ambassador said that the number of Indians in Saudi Arabia has increased in the last year. Now, the current number of these Indians has reached 2.65 million. He said that the Indians in Saudi Arabia play a significant role in the country’s progress and development. Indians are looked upon with respect in the Kingdom, he added.
Dr. Suhel warmly congratulated all Indians on Independence Day. He thanked the audience for attending this National festival in large numbers. The Ambassador of India thanked the Indian community’s social workers for their continued support.
The ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances by members of the Indian community, and participants joined the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign.
The Consulate General of India, Jeddah, too, celebrated the 78th Independence Day with great fervor and enthusiasm. Consulate members, officials,journalists, and various people of the Indian community attended the event.
The Consul General (Designate), Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, hoisted the National Flag and read excerpts from the Honorable President of India’s Address to the Nation on Independence Day.
In his remarks, the Consul General (Designate) emphasized the vitality of strong bilateral ties between India and Saudi Arabia and the vibrant people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. He expressed his commitment to further deepening the connection between the Indian Diaspora and the Consulate.
On this occasion, students of the International Indian School Jeddah rendered patriotic songs.
Indian employees working on various infrastructure projects in Neom, Tabuk, and other places, among others, also celebrated Indian Independence Day. The Indian missions and schools in the region, too, celebrated Independence Day by customary flag hoisting.
A special program was held on August 14th at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, during which the Indian community actively participated.
Munawarunnisa Nazneen
(Overseas Editor,
Public Front Newspaper)