Vijay Gupta
LONDON: India’s 77th Republic Day was celebrated with pride and patriotic fervour at the High Commission of India in London, with enthusiastic participation from the Indian community across the United Kingdom.
The celebration commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. High Commissioner of India to the UK, Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, graced the occasion and addressed the gathering, reaffirming collective pride in India’s Constitution and its enduring democratic spirit.
HC Doraiswami read excerpts from the President’s Address to the Nation, which underlined the enduring ideals of the Constitution, and contributions of citizens at home and abroad in shaping a united, confident, and democratic Bharat.
“This occasion reminds us of the strength of our constitutional values and the resilience of Indian democracy,” the High Commissioner said, highlighting the significance of Republic Day for Indians living abroad.
The cultural programme showcased India’s rich artistic heritage, featuring a sitar recital by Mehboob Nadeem, a violin recital by Aparna Raghuraman, and a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram by Tanusree Guha, Rupsha Chatterjee and Satarupa Ghosh, which all guests joined in for, to commemorate the National Song.
The celebrations this year held special meaning as India also marked 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, the National Song that has continued to inspire generations with its message of unity, sacrifice, and national pride.
The Indian diaspora, dressed in vibrant traditional dresses, celebrated the Republic Day at the country’s missions abroad, where the national tricolour was unfurled.
