Washington, DC – India’s 74th Republic Day was celebrated today with a flag-hoisting ceremony at India House. Friends of India from diverse fields, including the US Congress, business, media, students, and members of the Indian diaspora, attended the ceremony.
The Ambassador of India, H.E. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, unfurled the tricolor, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The Address by the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on the eve of Republic Day was screened during the ceremony.
India’s Republic Day commemorates the day its Constitution came into effect in 1950. In his remarks, the Ambassador called the Constitution an “inspired document of India’s collective vision” and the bedrock of the diversity and vibrancy of India’s democracy.
Highlighting India’s Presidency of G20 and other vital initiatives at multilateral fora like the Voice of the Global South Summit held earlier this month, Ambassador Sandhu emphasized that India is seen not only as a strong pillar for the global economy but also as a country that can be counted upon for bringing stability and security on multiple counts during these uncertain and complex times.
Ambassador Sandhu said that the US had been an instrumental partner for India during its transformative journey. “The global comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the United States has continued to intensify, covering almost all areas of human endeavor driven by shared democratic values, convergence of interests, on a range of issues and vibrant people-to-people contacts. Our two countries are benefiting from mutual exchanges across domains including healthcare, clean energy security, education technology, translating the vision of Prime Minister Modi and President Biden into action.”
He noted that Mr. Srinivas Varadan, an Indian American Mathematician and a distinguished diaspora member, has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian awards by the Government of India.
Congressman Ro Khanna, Chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian Americans, recalled the sacrifices of his family members during India’s freedom struggle and pointed out that countries across the globe drew inspiration from India’s freedom struggle. He expressed happiness in seeing India and Indian Americans thriving in the world.
Congressman Shri Thanedar highlighted that his being the fifth Indian-origin Congressperson in the United States was a watershed moment for Indian Americans and that he, along with his colleagues in the Congress, would work to build a stronger India-United States relationship.
A cultural program featuring a tuneful rendition of patriotic songs by students of Gandharva School of Music, Richmond, was presented during the ceremony.
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