India’s flag unfurled, President’s address read out.
By The American Bazaar Staff
WASHINGTON, DC/NEW YORK: The Indian Ambassador to the United States, Nirupama Rao, unfurled the Indian National Flag at the 67th Independence Day celebrations at the Embassy Residence in Washington, DC, Thursday.
Rao, addressing the guests present on the occasion, read out the President’s Address to the Nation.
Pranab Mukherjee’s speech, which was delivered on the eve of the Independence Day, touched up on a variety of issues, and it included a stern message to Pakistan. “Despite India’s consistent efforts to build friendly relations with neighbours, there have been tensions on the border and repeated violations of the Ceasefire on the Line of Control, leading to tragic loss of lives,†he said. “Our commitment to peace is unfailing but even our patience has limits.â€
One of the highlights of the celebrations at the Embassy Residence was a cultural program featuring singing of patriotic songs by children from the Gandharva School of Music, based in Richmond, VA.
In New York, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations also celebrated the Independence Day. Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerji hoisted the national flag and readout salient excerpts from the president’s address, at the Mission premises.
The brief and impressive ceremony saw a well-attended turn out of over 150 guests, including senior Indian officials of the United Nations, Indian Army and Police officers on deputation to the UN, in addition to officials from the Mission and the Consulate General of India, New York.
Ambassador Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, Consul General of India in New York, visited the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square in celebration of Independence Day, and rang the closing bell.
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