Indian Embassy marks 70th Republic Day in Kathmandu (Photo Feature)
KATHMANDU, Jan 26: The Embassy of India celebrated the 70th Republic Day of India at Lainchour in Kathmandu on Saturday.
India celebrates the Republic Day on January 26 every year to honor the constitution of India which came into force on the same day in the year 1950. On this day Indian Constitution Assembly approved the new Indian constitution replacing the Government of India Act, 1935 into the governing document of India.
Ambassador of India to Nepal Shri Manjeev Singh Puri hoisted the national flag and read out the President of India Ram Nath Kovind’s message on the occasion. The flag hoisting ceremony was attended by over 1500 Indians and friends of India. The students of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, the Modern Indian School and the Swami Vivekananda Culture Center, Kathmandu sung patriotic songs followed by a scintillating performance by the Nepal Army Band.
On the occasion, the Ambassador honored two Veer Naris, nine widows and three next of kins of deceased soldiers of Indian Armed Forces by distributing their dues worth NPR 7.26 crore and a blanket to each.
Reiterating its commitment towards helping the Bhu Puu, the Embassy unveiled the Bhu Puu-2018 magazine covering the welfare initiatives of the Government of India for ex-servicemen domiciled in Nepal.
On the occasion, the Ambassador presented keys of 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit organizations and educational institutions of different districts of Nepal. Since 1994, the Indian government has gifted 722 ambulances and 142 buses to various organizations across Nepal to expand access to healthcare and educational services in Nepal. The Embassy also announced book grant to 54 educational institutions and libraries across Nepal to promote access to educational material to students in remote areas.
Later in the day, the Ambassador hosted a reception at India House. Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun graced the occasion as the chief guest. Also, on this occasion, to mark the Seven Decades of India-Nepal diplomatic ties, a book titled “India & Nepal- 70 Years of Diplomatic ties” was also jointly released by Pun and the Indian Envoy. The event was attended by more than 1000 dignitaries, including senior political leaders & public personalities.
Photos: Mukunda Kalikote