PICS: Cultural events in UAE capture Indian freedom struggle

Dubai/Abu Dhabi - Events were held at Dubai's India Social and Cultural Centre and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.

The Indian Independence Day celebrations continued with the cultural programmes being held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday and Friday.
The India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) on Thursday night marked the festival with an array of programmes that captured the key moments of the freedom struggle. The independence movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru were staged in an impressive way.
The heroics of soldier Mangal Pandey, who played a key role in the outbreak of the 1857 rebellion, was staged and well-depicted with key moments from actor Aamir Khan's 'Mangal Pandey: The Rising' being shown in the background.
Many other folk dances and patriotic songs were part of the celebrations and left the capacity audience drenched in nationalistic spirits. The war cry 'Vande Mataram' echoed in the ISC premises.
Indian Embassy second secretary Kapil Raj was the chief guest at the function.
The ISC organised the events jointly with Kerala Social Centre, Indian Islamic Centre, Abu Dhabi Malayalee Samajam, Indian Ladies Association and Maharashtra Wing.
Independence Day celebrations also continued at Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall, with two-day long festivities. Times Square event on Thursday was attended by residents, both Indian and other nationalities. Dubai-based group Synergy enthralled the crowd to some riveting performances. Children were elated after getting a face-painting makeover.
(KT photos by Ryan Lim)

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai