The High Commission of India in the UK celebrated India's 76th Republic Day with grandeur at India House in London, complete with patriotic tunes and Kathak rhythms.
The annual celebration of India adopting its Constitution in January 1950 attracted a large gathering of dignitaries and guests from various walks of life in honour of India's rich cultural heritage and democratic spirit.
The celebration commenced with the traditional hoisting of the Indian national flag, followed by the Indian National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’. Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami read out excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s televised address to the nation to mark Republic Day.
The 30 winners of the recently concluded ‘Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz’ were also felicitated on the occasion, receiving their winner’s certificates from the High Commissioner. The celebration included a series of patriotic musical performances, including renditions by singers Shradha Mishra and Parvathi Nair and a Kathak performance by renowned dancer Richa Srivastava and her students. The event concluded with an informal interaction, with guests enjoying Indian delicacies.
Meanwhile, a small group of Khalistani protesters gathered opposite India House with separatist banners. In counter-protest, members of the Indian diaspora waved the Indian Tricolour and chanted patriotic slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. Some also waved placards highlighting the unity and solidarity with India, emphasising the centrality of the country’s territorial integrity. The two groups were separated by a significant police presence to ensure that the situation did not escalate into violence.
As India marked its 76th Republic Day with its customary parade in New Delhi, embassies from across the world and world leaders extended their warm wishes, emphasising the significance of India's democratic journey and its role in global partnerships. Messages poured in from the US, France, Brazil, South Africa, the UAE, Nepal, Russia, China, and several other nations, underscoring the global recognition of India's achievements.
(*With ANI Inputs)
