DOHA: Indians in Qatar yesterday marked their country’s 70th Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour.
In a ceremony, Ambassador Sanjiv Arora hoisted the Indian national flag at Indian Cultural Centre, attended by a large number of community members.
Students sang the national anthem and traditional songs.
Arora also read out President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation.
Mukherjee said: “India will grow only when all of India grows. The excluded ones have to be included in the development process. The hurt and the alienated have to be brought back into the mainstream.
“In this age of technological advance, machines are being pitted against men. The only way to survive this is to acquire knowledge and skills and learn to innovate.
“Inclusive innovations linked to the aspirations of our people can benefit a wide spectrum of society and preserve our diversity.
“We as a nation must nurture creativity, science and technology. Here, our schools and institutions of higher learning have a special responsibility.
“We often celebrate the achievements of our ancient past but it would be wrong to rest on our laurels. It is much more important to look to the future.”
Ceremonies were also held in Indian schools across Qatar.
DPS Modern Indian School (DPS –MIS ) marked the occasion with traditional gaiety. President Hassan Chougule unfurled the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem. Vice-President Yasir Nainar and several members of the executive committee and the council were also present.
Noble International School Vice-Chairman Abdul Rahim Kunnummal hoisted the flag on the school premises while students presented cultural events.
Birla Public School also marked the occasion with a flag-hoisting ceremony in the presence of students, staff, parents and management committee. The Indian national flag was unfurled by Lukose K. Chacko, Chairman of the school.
In a speech, Chacko said the country is in the hands of the younger generation who are the future leaders of the biggest democracy in the world and should take part in the development of our nation in a big way so that it becomes a developed country. Celebrations included the singing of patriotic songs, speeches and patriotic dance.
Shantiniketan Indian School celebrated the occasion, with President K C Abdul Latheef hoisting the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem.
A large number of students, staff, parents and guests were present.
The Peninsula
