'The world is one family' theme for Indian Republic Day celebrations in UAE

Dubai - The focus is on the UAE bringing together the entire world.

The Indian community in the UAE had a patriotic rush on the occasion of India's 71^st Republic Day on Sunday, January 26. Men, women, and children were seen in traditional Indian clothing while many took to donning the tri-colours of the Indian national flag.
A flag-hoisting ceremony was organised at the Indian diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with smaller celebrations in other emirates. The UAE-India relations, 'Vasudev kutumbakam' (the Sanskrit phrase for 'the world is one family'), and the upcoming Dubai Expo 2020 were highlighted as major themes in the celebrations.
A total of 400 Indian expatriates from across Dubai and other emirates gathered at the Consulate-General of India in Dubai in the early hours of Sunday to witness the ceremonial flag hoisting ceremony, which was followed by the Consul-General of India in Dubai, Vipul, reading Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's speech to the nation.
The address at the consulate was followed by a cultural performance. The flag was hoisted at 7.40am, following which, residents and visitors sang patriotic songs and took pictures alongside the Indian flag.
'Values of Vasudev Kutumbakam, Expo 2020 are same'
Thousands of students and parents of the Indian High School gathered at the school grounds for the annual R-Day parade. An impressive 2,000 students of all ages put up a stellar show showcasing cultures of various Indian states.
School officials said at least 5,000 visitors gathered at the school grounds to witness the festivities. Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the parade, Consul-General of India in Dubai Vipul said: "I am very happy about the celebrations that took place today. We've had a wonderful, colourful programme focussing on the cultures of the world."
The CG said he was particularly impressed with the way a special emphasis was given to the upcoming Expo 2020 in today's celebrations. "The cultural tableaus showcased cultures from across the world, and it was also entwined with the theme of 'Vasudeva Kutumbakam'," he said.
"This is a very important part of the Indian ethos. The focus is on the UAE bringing together the entire world during the Expo 2020 and spreading the message of tolerance," Vipul added.
He said these celebrations are a proud moment for all Indians in the UAE.
Meanwhile, the recently appointed CEO of the Indian High School, Punit MK Vasu, said: "The theme of Vasudeva Kutumbakam ties in very well with the theme of the Expo 2020. Connecting minds, bringing people together, and building the future. The theme of the expo also connects with the theme of the school in terms of opportunity, mobility, and sustainability. In that sense, the theme was very well thought of by the team."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE