Indian community celebrates 74th Republic Day

The Indian community in Qatar celebrated the 74th Republic Day of their nation at a grand function at the embassy on Thursday.The event showcased the social and cultural bond between the community members while highlighting India’s strong bilateral relationship with Qatar.Ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal hoisted the Indian national flag, followed by the national anthem.During the event, he read out the message of Indian President Droupadi Murmu and said that India’s amazing journey has inspired many nations."The Constitution that started governing the life of the Republic was the outcome of the Freedom Struggle,” Dr Mittal read. "The national movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was as much about winning Independence as about rediscovering our own ideals.”"Those decades of struggle and sacrifice helped us win freedom not only from colonial rule but also from the imposed values and narrow world-views,” he continued. "Revolutionaries and reformers joined hands with visionaries and idealists to help us learn about our age-old values of peace, brotherhood and equality.”"Sectors of India have been among the fastest-growing major economies despite the bad effects of the (coronavirus [Covid-19] pandemic),” the ambassador read. "With the economy on a sound footing, we have been able to begin and carry forward a series of praiseworthy initiatives.”"The ultimate goal is to create an environment in which all citizens can, individually and collectively, realise their true potential and prosper,” he added. "The Digital India Mission is striving to make information and communication technology inclusive by bridging the rural-urban divide.”"The 'Gaganyaan' programme to carry Indian astronauts into space is under progress. This will be India's maiden human space flight,” Dr Mittal read. "India's Mars Mission was powered by a team of extraordinary women, and our sisters and daughters are not far behind in other areas too,” he continued. "Women's empowerment and gender equality are no longer mere slogans, as we have made great progress towards these ideals in recent years.”"The G20 presidency is an opportunity for India to promote democracy and multilateralism and the right forum for shaping a better world and a better future,” the envoy read.Dr Mittal also pointed out that 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of full diplomatic relations between India and Qatar."The relationship was built between the people of the two countries,” he said. "We are all, with the support of Indians, working hard to take the ties to new heights.”The ambassador cited the achievements by Qatar last year."For the Indian community, there is much to be proud of, for their participation in organising the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” he said. "You have made your country very proud. You have lifted India’s flag very high.”Yesterday’s event was held in a hybrid format, with simultaneous live streaming online on social media handles and the embassy’s YouTube channel.