Indian expatriates across the country feel the patriotic rush

Dubai - Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag attended the parade and raised the national flag at Indian consulate in Dubai.

Dubai's Indian community celebrated India's 67th Republic Day with great pomp and fervor at the Indian Consulate in Dubai and the Indian High School, Oud Metha.
Several hundred Indian expatriates gathered at the Indian Consulate in Dubai and the Indian High School to witness the annual Republic Day parade on the school grounds on Tuesday morning.
For most of the attendees, the parade made them reminiscent of the celebrations back home in India. Indian national and Grade 11 student of IHS Sanam Lulla (16) said: "Being here for the parade reminds me of home... The patriotic fever is high and it feels like I am in India. It reminds me of the love I have for my country."
Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag attended the parade and raised the national flag during one of the song sequences.
Anurag Bhushan, the Consul General of India to Dubai, unfurled the Indian National Flag, to the tunes of the Indian National Anthem in the presence of the gathered Indian diaspora, after which he read out the Presidential address by President of India Pranab Mukherjee. Bhushan thanked the Indian expatriate community for their contribution to the economic success of India.
Dr LM Pancholia, Chairman of the Indian High School told students: "The way forward lies in accepting, respecting and appreciating difference with tolerance and a sense of brotherhood and equality among all human beings. It's only when we rise above these differences that individuals, societies, nations and the world can progress and prosper."
Apart from the march past organised by the students leaders body, student achievers, staff, parents, and alumni, representatives of the Rashid Paediatric Centre, SNF, Radio City 101.6 and Kerela Drummers also marched in the parade.
Students showcased performances from the re-enactment of Jallianwaala Bagh, the moving tricolour formations from Mangal to Mangalyaan', the 'Swach Bharat' drill to the mime, reinforcing the diversity of India. Student's Krishi Panjabi (16) and Hannah Alex (16) stated that they thoroughly enjoyed the parade because it reminded them of the love they had for their country.
Tourist and Indian national Jayashankar S.V. (65) said: "The show was extremely well organised and students seem to be well in tune of India's history and heritage."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

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