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Guyanese joined in India’s 77th Republic Day
Dear Editor,
Guyanese joined nationals from India in celebrating the 77th Republic Day in Georgetown on January 26. They participated in two programs organized by the Indian High Commission that brought together the Indian diaspora and friends of India.
The Indian diaspora, dressed in vibrant traditional dresses, celebrated not only in Guyana but also at all of the country’s missions and cultural centers including in Trinidad, Suriname, and Jamaica. The events in Guyana were marked by pomp and splendour and patriotic sons. The festivities resonated with national fervour as Guyanese and Indians from India (Embassy staff and Indians living in Guyana) partook in patriotic tunes and dances and cheering speeches saluting India’s achievements over the last eight decades.
The High Commissioner Dr Amit Telang unfurled India’s tricolour flag with a salute at the Cultural Center in Georgetown early morning and read out President Murmu’s address to the nation. The event was attended by a couple hundred. In the evening, there was a reception at the Pegasus Convention Center also attended by a few hundred including diplomats, Guyana government officials, other invitees, and the Indian diaspora (local Guyanese Indians and those from India). The celebrations brought back memories of this writer organizing celebrations at City College during the late 1970s and early 1980s as an activist. Indo-Caribbean students saluted India’s enduring commitment to democracy since it became a nation in 1947 and a republic in 1950.
At both events in Georgetown, students from the Cultural Center performed dances played to traditional patriotic songs amidst applause by the guests. There were also the national anthems of both Guyana and India. Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai resonated in the celebrations among those seated under a tent at Anira Street as the national song was rendered with pride and a spirit of unity.
Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall represented President Irfaan Ali who was traveling in England. Foreign Minister Hugh Todd was also in attendance on stage. They joined the High Commissioner Dr Amit Telang and his wife in a toast. The celebrations were held on the afternoon of the reading of the budget in Guyana’s national assembly, and as a result, other members of the parliament and cabinet ministers could not attend the reception. Mr. Nandlall and Mr. Todd represented the President who was traveling in England.
Nandlall read remarks from the government of Guyana saluting India on the occasion. As the AG noted, this joyous occasion celebrates India’s inspiring journey and reflects the close bonds and shared values between our two nations. He stressed the strengthening of relations between the two countries.
In India and around the globe, Republic Day was also celebrated. World leaders or their representatives joined Indian Embassies to commemorate the anniversary. India hosts a prominent world leader for Republic Day. This year, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen were Chief Guests at this year’s Republic Day celebrations. A trade deal was signed with the European Union. They witnessed a dazzling display of India’s military might and cultural tableaux in a parade at Kartavya Path near Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s home and government’s office), near the parliament, featuring military displays and cultural tableaux. The parade showcased India’s advanced military defense and space systems and highlighted India’s cultural diversity. The grand parade drew dignitaries, political leaders, and people from across the country and tourists.
Around the globe, there was the reading of the speech delivered by the President of India on the occasion of Republic Day. Some Embassies also hosted receptions in the evening as in Guyana and Trinidad.
Separately, world leaders, including President Trump, Irfaan Ali, PM Kamla Persad Bissessar, President Xi of China, President Macron of France, among others extended greetings, highlighting their strong friendship with India.
Guyanese are proud to be a part of this annual celebration with fellow nationals of India to showcase their culture and support for India.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
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