Indian Embassy in Kathmandu Celebrates India’s 80th Independence Day

Dragon Media News Desk

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday with a series of commemorative programmes.

The ceremony began with the singing of “Vande Mataram.” The Indian Ambassador to Nepal then unfurled the Tiranga, India’s national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem.

During the programme, an address to the nation delivered by the President of India on the eve of the 80th Independence Day was also broadcast. The address highlighted India’s progress over the past 79 years.

On the occasion, the Indian Embassy honoured the wives and next of kin of 11 deceased Nepali Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who had sacrificed their lives in the service of India. Insurance cheques worth a total of NPR 82 million were distributed to their families.

The Ambassador also honoured the winners of various competitions organised by the Embassy to mark Independence Day. These included a painting competition on the theme of “Viksit Bharat,” the Viksit Bharat Run and an inter-school quiz competition.

Winners of a special edition of the “Bharat Ko Janiye” quiz competition were also felicitated during the ceremony.

The Embassy provided book grants to 22 educational institutions and libraries located across all seven provinces of Nepal with the objective of improving students’ access to educational resources.

Teachers and students of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre under the Embassy of India also presented patriotic songs and dances during the programme.

India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, and has since observed August 15 each year as its Independence Day.