DOHA: Indians in Qatar yesterday marked their country’s 69th Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour.
In a ceremony attended by a large number of community members at Indian Cultural Centre, India’s national flag was hoisted by Ambassador Sanjiv Arora.
Several events were also held in Indian schools.
In India, in his over one-hour speech, Premier Narendra Modi said corruption was eating away at the country like a termite.
“I want to reaffirm that this nation will get rid of corruption. We can rid the country of corruption, we have to start from the top,” Modi said in his Independence Day speech.
He said even after so many decades of independence, there are 18,500 villages without electricity, international news agencies reported.
“I appeal to the states and all other stakeholders to connect these villages with electricity system within 1,000 days,” said the PM.
In Qatar, Shantiniketan Indian School President K C Abdul Latheef hoisted the flag and Principal Dr Subhash Nair addressed the gathering.
MES Indian School marked the occasion with traditional gaiety. The Acting President of the governing body, Isham Ahmed, unfurled the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem.
Principal Dr Mohamed Harun Khan gave a speech. The function was attended by a large number of students, parents, staff and members of the governing body.
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At DPS-MIS School, the national flag was unfurled in the presence of executive committee members, school council members, students, staff and parents and all in unison, infused with the spirit of pride and patriotism, sang the national anthem.
Administration Director Rocky Fernandes delivered a speech.
Mansi Saxena, of grade X, proposed a vote of thanks and promised on behalf of all students to preserve the integrity and sovereignty of the nation and be responsible global citizens.
Birla Public School also held a ceremony attended by students, staff, parents and members of the management committee. Lukose K Chacko, Chairman, Dr Mohan Thomas, Founder-Chairman, C V Rappai, Management Committee Member, K M Verghese and Nilangshu Dey, life members, and Lt-Col (retired) Rakesh Dutt Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, were present.
THE PENINSULA
