75th Independence Day of India
On the morning of 15th August 2022, the Mission organized the Flag hoisting ceremony. More than 600 people from all walks of life, including members of the Indian diaspora, Embassy officials, and family, joined the celebration on the Embassy premises. 25 Indian workers also joined the celebration. Ambassador Amit Narang hoisted the National Flag and read out excerpts from the address of the President of India. This was followed by the performance of two patriotic songs by students of Indian School Muscat. The Ambassador also distributed medals to the winners of the AKAM Quiz. The presence of officers and sailors from the Indian Navy added color to the ceremony.
After the Flag Hoisting in the Embassy, a special ‘Colors Ceremony’ was held on board Indian Naval Ship Chennai, during which Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, and Ambassador Amit Narang witnessed the ceremonial raising of the Indian tricolor. This was followed by an interaction with the press in which Ambassador Amit Narang and Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena elaborated on India’s glorious 75-year journey and the vitality of India-Oman relations. The event was widely covered by all the leading English and Arabic media houses in Oman.
Students of Indian Schools in Muscat also joined hands to celebrate the occasion with a cultural event held at the Indian School, Boushar. Children showcased the diversity of Indian culture through cultural performances recalling India’s golden past and glorious future. The dance performance by the students showcased the richness of India’s culture and tradition. Addressing the students, Ambassador spoke about the true meaning of the privilege of Freedom.
A unique twin-deck Reception was held onboard Indian Naval Ships Chennai and Kochi at Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, on the evening of August 15, 2022. The Reception was attended by H.E Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs in the Foreign Ministry, Commodore Tariq bin Issa Al Raisi, Acting Commander Royal Navy of Oman, Members of the Royal family, senior Government dignitaries, distinguished Ambassadors resident in Muscat, Military attaches, and distinguished members of the Omani & Indian communities.
Speaking at the Reception, Ambassador highlighted India's journey as an independent nation during the past 75 years and notable achievements in various sectors - from economic growth and social inclusion, defense, sports, education, and science to information & space technology and digital inclusion, among others.
On the 16th of August evening, the Indian Naval Symphonic band performed at Oman Avenues Mall to a packed audience of more than 500 people. The band played a diverse repertoire of martial music, symphonies, and Indian classical music, intertwining with the theme of ‘AzaadiKaAmritMahotsav.’
On 14th August, the Indian Social Club (ISC), in association with Indian Embassy, organized a cultural evening to celebrate India's 75 years of Independence. Ambassador Amit Narang and Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena witnessed the celebration. In his address to the audience, Ambassador Amit Narang highlighted how 75 years of nation-building had transformed India from a poor fledgling economy to the fastest growing major economy in the world. Ambassador also attended a celebration by the Indian Social Club, Salalah, on 18th August 2022. All the wings of the Indian Social club participated in these celebrations showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian culture.
The Mission gave extensive publicity to major developments in India through special supplements in newspapers. All three English-language newspapers in Oman brought out special supplements. The Ambassador's message and some of the articles were published by two Arabic-language newspapers (Al Roya and Al Shabiba). The special supplements carried Prime Minister's speech at the session on ''Investing in a Better Future: Climate, Energy, Health'' at G7 Summit in Germany, an article on Confident, Caring Country written by Hon'able EAM Dr. S. Jaisankar.
