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National Day Reception to commemorate 75th Independence Day of India on August 20, 2021

Aug 23, 2021


 

Embassy of India, Beirut organized National Day Reception to commemorate 75th Independence Day of India on August 20, 2021.

 

Embassy of India, Beirut organized National Day Reception to commemorate 75th Independence Day of India. The reception was part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, the mega festival which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi 12th March this year from Sabarmati Ashram in the state of Gujarat in India. It was on this day, 12th March in 1930 and at the same place, Sabarmati Ashram, that Mahatma Gandhi, the leading light of our freedom movement, started Civil Disobedience Movement against the British Rule. This mega festival of India’s independence celebrates India’s Freedom Struggle as well as 4 other pillars, what Prime Minister Modi has said i.e. Ideas @75, Actions@75, Achievements @ 75 and Resolves @75.

 

A number of local dignitaries attended the event. Prominent among the attendees were, H.E. Ali Oserian, Member of Parliament and part of Lebanese- India Parliamentary Friendship Committee, Mr Salam Al Ashkar, Acting Chief of Protocol in the Foreign Office who was representing both H.E. Zeina Akkar Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants and Secretary General of Foreign Office H.E. Hani Chemaittelly, Mr. Haythem Sayad, who was representing Governor of Beirut, Brigadier General Ghassan Abboud who was representing Commander of LAF, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon H.E. Joanna Wronecka, Commander of UNIFIL Gen Stephano Del Col, and Head of World Bank Mr Saroj Jha. A number of Ambassadors and representative of UN bodies also attended the event.

 

Ambassador Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan welcomed the guests and spoke about importance of the occasion. He underlined that India is the largest democracy in the World and that in last 75 years, Indian democracy has not only survived but also thrived and became stronger and stronger. He also said that the Indian democracy is deeply rooted in India’s age-old value system based on ideals of Satyamev Jayte, i.e., truth always prevails, Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam, i.e., the World is one family and on the principles of Unity in Diversity and Non-Violence. He also added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now given the motto of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas i.e. together for everyone’s development. Ambassador also spoke about India’s march towards becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy in next few years with guiding principle of Atamanirbhar Bharat i.e., Self- Reliant India. He also highlighted a how India was able to make a spectacular recovery from the Covid-related slump and is already on the path of being one of the fastest growing economies in the current financial year. He also recalled how India has been a leading country providing medicine and vaccines to the World in fight against Covid-19. Ambassador Khan also spoke about India’s priorities of its membership of the UN Security Council as encapsulated in the 5- S approach i.e Samman meaning Respect, Samvad meaning Dialogue, Sahyog meaning Cooperation, Shanti meaning Peace and Samriddhi meaning Prosperity for all.

 

Ambassador termed India -Lebanon relations as cordial and spoke about the contribution of Indian battalion in the UNIFIL. He also said that India stood by Lebanon in its hour of need when it provided relief material after the tragic Beirut blasts last year and provided PPEs to the Ministry of Health in its fight against Covid-19 pandemic. He urged various ministries and government departments in Lebanon to benefit from ITEC training programmes and also urged youth to benefit from various scholarships and opportunities to study in India.

 

Mr. Haytham Sayad conveyed a message from the Governor of Beirut on the occasion congratulating India for the 75th Independence Day and also highlighting excellent bilateral relations between India and Lebanon.

 

Ms Tara Maalouf, famous Lebanese opera singer presented Hindi songs.

 

Speech of Ambassador H.E. Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan is available on youtube: https://youtu.be/zPQNJdH2zjQ

 

Bollywood Song 'Aisa Desh Hai Mera' performed by Ms. Tara Maalouf: https://youtu.be/1mT4NSZcHyg

 

Patriotic Song 'Vande Mataram' performed by Ms. Tara Maalouf: https://youtu.be/u_1ynuX0ZfY

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