Grand celebration held for 70th Anniversary of Republic Day of India

Jan 28, 2020 News

The 70th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India was celebrated last Sunday, 26th January, by the High Commission of India, Georgetown, in a grand manner, with a Flag Hoisting Ceremony in the morning at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Georgetown, and a National Day Reception in the evening at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

President David Granger addresses the gathering at the National Day Reception at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, as H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India (third from right) and other dignitaries listen attentively

Over 250 invitees attended the Flag Hoisting event, including Indian citizens and their families, members of the Indian Diaspora, friends and well-wishers of India and students. His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India, hoisted the tricolour Indian National Flag and read out the message of the Honourable President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the celebratory occasion.
The event featured cultural programmes including dance and music presentations by the High Commission’s Cultural Centre, SVCC, and presentation of skits based on patriotic themes by the students of Texila American University and Lincoln American University in Georgetown. The event also included prize distribution to the winners of an essay/drawing competition conducted by the High Commission on the topic “Swachhata Pakhwada” (Clean India Campaign).
The National Day Reception in the evening was attended by a number of high-level dignitaries – His Excellency President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland, former President Mr Donald Ramotar, former President & Prime Minister Mr Samuel A Hinds, former Prime Minister Mr. Hamilton Green, Second Vice President & Minister of Public Security Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, Attorney General & Minister of Legal Affairs Mr. Basil Williams, Minister for Public Telecommunications Mrs Catherine Hughes, Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, Local government officials, Indian Diaspora, friends of India, students from local Universities and a large media contingent. Over 400 guests attended the Reception.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Dr. Srinivasa emphasized the warm and friendly bilateral relations existing between India and Guyana and the vast areas of collaboration between the two governments. The High Commissioner also mentioned that the Government of India is celebrating India@70 – the completion of 70 long years in its life as a Republic, and to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.
Seventy years ago, on 26th November 1949, the Indian Constitution was adopted and came into effect on 26th January 1950.
The High Commissioner also reiterated that India is not only the largest democracy in the world with 1.3 billion people and over 900 million eligible voters, but Indian democracy is also known to be one of the most successful. He emphasised that it is a model for all nations in the globe to follow and adopt as to how democracy could be kept alive and intact, despite all diverse traditions, culture, religious beliefs and faiths, regions, etc.
The High Commissioner also presented to President Granger, the Commemorative Stamps issued by Government of India on the occasion of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji.
President Granger during his address lauded many achievements in the collaboration between Guyana and India. He applauded India for setting the example in alleviating impacts of climate change and promoting solar energy, which he said will certainly help Guyana to achieve the ‘green’ transformation it actively seeks. He noted Guyana’s participation in the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The President also mentioned about his visit to India in January 2018 as a milestone in furthering and strengthening bilateral relations, including cooperation in the field of education, training and skill development. Amidst a list of achievements, the President noted the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) established at the University of Guyana Campus at Turkeyen, and various forms of developmental assistance projects being undertaken by India in Guyana.
The event also included the offering of toasts by the High Commissioner and the President. The formal part of the programme in the evening was followed by a brief cultural segment.