Embassy of India
Muscat
PRESS RELEASE
****
Indian Embassy celebrates 74th Independence Day of India
Embassy of India, Muscat, celebrated the 74th Independence Day of India on 15 August 2020 with great gusto and patriotic fervour. This year due to COVID19 restrictions, the event was limited to Embassy officials and staff. However, it was telecast live, enabling Indian community to join the celebration virtually. Before the start of main event, videos on recent initiatives of Government of India, including Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, support provided to vulnerable sections of society in the wake of COVID19 and development in Jammu & Kashmir were played. The event started with unfurling of the Indian Flag by Shri Munu Mahawar, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, followed by singing of National Anthem.
- The Ambassador gave a brief speech and read out excerpts from the address of the President of India. He greeted the Indian Community in Oman and thanked them for their proactive contribution in helping the Embassy and Indian community in the wake of COVID19. He expressed his appreciation for Indian Social Club, other community organisations, volunteers and social workers, as Embassy was able to distribute 15,000 food kits and repatriate more than 60,000 Indian nationals with their support. The Ambassador also spoke about Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Relf Reliant India), which seeks to make India a more resilient nation and at the same time strengthen our global linkages. He invited Indian community to contribute to Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan through their skills, knowledge and experiences. He also mentioned about India’s development cooperation efforts under which India has extended Lines of Credit worth USD 30 billion and Grant Assistance of USD 4 billion to its friends and partners. The Ambassador emphasised that there is a strong desire at leadership and people to people level, to further strengthen and expand India-Oman strategic partnership, and Indian diaspora in Oman would have an important role to play in it.
- Videos of patriotic songs by students of Indian School Muscat (ISM) were played after the speech by Ambassador, adding to the sense of pride and enthusiasm in the celebration. The Embassy organized several competitions in the run-up to Independence Day, which saw overwhelming response from Indian diaspora. The winners of patriotic painting competition, Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan quiz and patriotic poetry writing competition were announced during the event. A video of select entries received for patriotic painting competition and videos of winners of patriotic poetry writing competition were played during the event. The event ended with a soulful and inspiring medley of patriotic songs by members of Indian Social Club in Oman.
- This year due to COVID19, the Embassy marked this year’s Independence Day celebration online. However, COVID19 could not dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of Indian community as hundreds of Indian nationals joined the celebration online.
***
Muscat, 15th August 2020
