Video: Indians celebrate their 69th Republic Day in UAE, Sheikh Abdullah attends Abu Dhabi event

Dubai - At a Dubai event, Consul General of India wished all residents gathered at the Consulate a Happy Republic Day.

Dhanusha Gokulan

Published: Fri 26 Jan 2018, 8:31 AM

Last updated: Sat 27 Jan 2018, 12:37 AM

India's Republic Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi began on Thursday evening with a reception that saw several UAE ministers in attendance, signalling the strong emphasis on the growing India-UAE relationship.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan al Qasimi attended the reception hosted by the Indian ambassador at the Inter Continental Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
Indian expatriates in UAE marked the 69th Republic Day on Friday with a renewed sense of pride and patriotism.
With the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to mark his second visit to the UAE on February 10 and 11, many expatriates said they have never felt 'more proud to be an Indian in the UAE."
Indian ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Singh Suri unfurled the tri-colour flag at the embassy in the presence of community members.
In Dubai, patriotic fervour among Indian residents peaked as Consul General Vipul unfurled the Indian tri-colours at the Consulate.

Several hundred residents gathered at the Consulate to celebrate the country's 69th R-Day early Friday morning (January 26). Young and old residents were seen holding miniature versions of the Indian flag and wishing each other a 'Happy Republic Day'.

"We are very proud to be here. It feels very much like being back home," said Prajna Rao, a housewife who has been living in Dubai for over a year. "We usually always watch live stream of the parade in New Delhi on TV... This year was definitely different as it feels great to stand amongst so many Indians and be part of the flag hoisting ceremony," she adds.

Students at Dubai's Indian High School in Oud Metha assemble for India's #RepublicDay celebrations....(KT/Leslie Pableo) pic.twitter.com/zey7aXofpf
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) January 26, 2018

Consul General of India in Dubai Vipul wished all residents gathered at the Indian Consulate a Happy Republic Day. He began the celebrations by reading out Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's inspiring presidential address to the nation.

It said, "Instead of getting children to study by-heart at school, we must adopt an education system where innovation is paid most importance... That is what will bolster the future of Indians everywhere," he said.

The speech spoke about some of the more recent achievements made by Indians in various fields. "We have achieved a lot since our Independence, but there is much more to be done." However, the CG added, "We started our celebrations yesterday with a world record breaking performance by 12-year-old Sucheta for singing in 102 languages in one concert." Further celebrations took place at the Indian High School grounds in Oud Metha.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com