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International columnist, political analyst and senior journalist Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui’s articles are published across Asia, Africa and Europe. He writes for The Moroccan Times, The Tunis Times, India Tomorrow, Kohram News, The Etemaad Urdu Daily and for news papers published from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. You can follow him on Twitter at: @journopolana[/symple_box]
The Indian Ambassador in the Sultanate of Oman, H. E Indra Mani Pandey led the Indian expatriate community in celebrating the 67th Republic Day of India all over the Sultanate with patriotic fervour and gaiety on Tuesday. The main function was held at India House, the official premises of the Embassy of India in Muscat.
In the presence of hundreds of members of the Indian community H. E Indra Mani Pandey, unfurled the Indian National Flag and read out the Address of the Honourable President of India to the Nation. Students from the Indian School Al Ghubra led the gathering in singing the National Anthem. This was followed by patriotic songs –‘Mere Desh ki Dharti Sona Uglegi, Uglegi Heere Moti’ and ‘Chak De India’. The students transported the Indian community mentally to India, making many eyes moist at the mention of dear motherland. The students and teachers received tokens of appreciation from the veteran Ambassador.
Addressing the Indian community, the Ambassador greeted thus: ‘‘On the auspicious occasion of 67th Republic Day of India, I wish all fellow Indians living in Oman a very happy Republic Day.’’
H. E Indra Mani acknowledged the Indian community’s contribution in these words: ‘‘The Indian community in Oman has been making immense contribution to social progress and the economic development of India. While we all should be aware of the challenges we face, we should also have pride in our achievements since we attained independence. The Government of India is committed to ensuring the welfare of Indians living abroad and the Indian Embassy in Muscat has been making efforts to deliver passport, consular and community welfare services in an efficient and timely manner and to reach out to various segments of the Indian community living in different regions.’’
The Indian Ambassador sought cooperation and added:
‘‘We seek the community’s understanding and cooperation in achieving our goals. Let us all commit ourselves today to do our best to make India a great and exemplary nation. Let us rejoice together and march ahead.”
H. E Indra Mani lauded India’s unity in diversity and made a strong pitch for promoting the Make in India and Clean India initiatives of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urges the Indians and Omanis to see the immense possibilities in different sectors and invest accordingly. He commended the historical Indo-Oman ties and the present strategic partnership. Earlier, the Ambassador unfurled the tricolour at the Indian School Darsait, Muscat in the presence of thousands of students, teachers and parents. The Republic Day was celebrated in other Indian schools with much enthusiasm as well.
