RIYADH/JEDDAH — The 75th Independence Day of India was celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor in the Indian diplomatic missions in the Kingdom on Sunday, with the Ambassador in Riyadh and the Consul General in Jeddah leading the low-key celebrations that followed coronavirus protocols. Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed hoisted the national flag in the Embassy followed by the rendition of national anthem. The Ambassador then read out the president's message to the audience and addressed the Indian community attending the event. He extended warm greetings and felicitations to all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the joyous occasion. The envoy, in his message, reiterated that independent India is a celebration of our indigenous diversity and multiculturalism. "Over the years we have nurtured the spirit of freedom and strengthening our democracy as we continue our march towards progress and development with new vigor and aspiration and with the mantra of 'Nation First, Always First'," he said. On the occasion of 75th Independence day of India, the embassy organized a host of cultural events in hybrid format. The event began with unfurling of the national flag by Ambassador Dr. Sayeed. Indian cultural dances depicting the the diversity of the nation were staged. He also inaugurated blood donation camp organized by members of Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association. He also invited suggestions and participation from Diaspora for celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (Festival of Independence) and 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Saudi Arabia. As part of cultural program, the embassy in collaboration with Indian schools in Riyadh and expatriate community organized numerous performances on patriotic songs. In a prelude to the celebration of Independence day, the embassy also organized Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award Ceremony. During the function, the Ambassador presented the award and president's certificate to Sideek Ahmad, the awardee for this year from the Kingdom. Ahmad is the chairman and managing director of Eram Group. Apart from this, he is actively involved in philanthropic and charity activities. His innovative idea of etoilet has helped in extending India's sanitation program across several countries. Furthermore, in collaboration with LuLu group, the embassy is celebrating India-Saudi Utsav, from Aug. 11-16 at the hypermarket in Riyadh. The festival was inaugurated by the Ambassador, during which several consumer products, organic fruits and vegetables from India were launched. The event also included launch of Saudi wedding dresses made from Indian textiles. In Jeddah, the Consulate General too celebrated 75th Independence Day of India and organized various events under the banner "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav". Consul General Mohd. Shahid Alam hoisted the national flag of India and read out the president's message that touched on the freedom fighters' struggle, the non-violent action by Mahatma Gandhi before reveling in the historic effort of the Indian youth and sportsmen with a distinguished performance in Tokyo. The president's message revealed that empowerment of women would visualize a successful future, while lauding the sacrifices of the defense forces and the COVID warriors, who served on the frontlines to keep the nation safe. A group of girls from the International Indian School (Girls) section then rendered a medley of patriotic songs to uplift the spirits of the goodly crowd at the premises of the consulate in the presence of Indian community. Conveying his best wishes to the community on the occasion, Consul General Shahid Alam touched upon the new initiatives undertaken by the consulate for enhancing the welfare of the community and delivery of services, including the launch of mobile app, virtual appointment, outreach activities and community welfare tours. The consul general highlighted the close friendly ties between India and Saudi Arabia as well as extraordinary warmth between the leaders of the two countries. He also thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and government of Saudi Arabia for their warm hospitality extended to the Indians living in the Kingdom as well as supporting the consulate in delivering consular and welfare services to them. During the celebration, the diplomat unveiled the official logo of celebration of 75 years of India's independence or "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav". The consulate has been organizing several activities covering diverse and multi-faceted themes covering India's rich culture, Indo-Saudi economic ties, Indo-Saudi Hajj cooperation, healthcare cooperation, forging friendships through art, and sports etc. Events in physical, online and hybrid mode and extensive use of online and social media platforms have enabled the consulate to engage with all sections of Indian community as well as Saudi friends. The consul general also unveiled an exhibition of winning entries from the art & creativity competitions for Indians organized jointly by the consulate and community organizations. "Out of box creativity" competition of designing beautiful artistic exhibits on the theme of India's independence, which was organized in partnership with 'India Forum', received about 400 entries. Winning paintings on "Roadmap to Hajj" competition, reflecting Indo-Saudi cooperation on Hajj, organized in partnership with 'Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum' were also displayed. The consulate had also conducted patriotic song competition through its Instagram page which received a great response from the youth and children. In addition, Indian community organizations organized painting competition on the theme "Gandhiji and Indian Freedom Struggle" and a mehendi (henna) competition displaying India's beautiful artistic designs, as part of celebration of 75 years of India's independence. In the evening, continuing the celebration of Independence day, an "Independence Day Cup" football match was organized by "India Forum" in association with the consulate. The event evoked am enthusiastic response from the community. In the coming days, the consulate will continue to organize events throughout the year in celebration of 75 years of India's independence and 75 years of Indo-Saudi diplomatic ties, with participation of the Indian community and friends from Saudi Arabia.
