Colourful, spirited show by community in Dubai

Chandra Prakash, Sonia Nath and Rupali Shinde are at their patriotic best during the Republic Day celebrations in Dubai on Thursday.

It was a moment of togetherness for every Indian based in Dubai, with the women dressed in shades of the tricolour and children waving the flag high, and patriotic speeches and performances reflected the love for their nation.
On the occasion of the 68th Republic Day, Indian community members gathered at the consulate in Dubai to witness the flag hoisting ceremony by Anurag Bhushan, Consul-General of India, Dubai. Around 800 Indian expats from different walks of life participated in the celebrations.
Reading excerpts from the Indian president?s address to the nation on the eve of R-Day, Bhushan said: "We wish to highlight this day as very special and significant for all of us, as we have His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed forces, as our Chief Guest in India. Also, as a gesture befitting this historic visit, the lighting of the Burj Khalifa with the Indian tricolour on January 25-26 is highly appreciated by us."
Resident-speak
Rupali Shinde, a housewife based in Dubai for four years, proudly wore a tricolour dress at the event. She said: "The Republic Day is a festival for me; I have prepared sweets at home and we will all go out in the evening to celebrate the day. I am dressed like this because I wanted to do something different for my country as I am not over there."
Sonia Nath, a businesswoman, thinks small gestures like waving the flag and singing patriotic songs are how Indians express their respect and love for their country here.
Celebrating the day with friends, Chandra Prakash, a legal expert from Dubai, said: "Let us remember our golden heritage and feel proud to be a part of this country that has rich culture, traditions and great world leaders."
ankita@khaleejtimes.com