The Charge d’Affaires of India P S Sasi Kumar hoists the national flag to mark the country’s 66th Independence Day, at the Indian Cultural Centre yesterday. Shaival Dalal

DOHA: Indians in Qatar yesterday celebrated their 66th Independence Day at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) premises under the aegis of the Indian Embassy. P S Sasi Kumar, Charge d’Affaire of India marked the celebrations by hoisting the tri-colour national flag.

A large number of Indians with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour attended the flag hoisting ceremony in the morning, despite the day coinciding with Ramadan.

The envoy read out excerpts from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation. Children from Indian schools rendered the national anthem and patriotic songs at the event.

The celebratory functions were held at different Indian schools in Qatar. The children and teachers celebrated the occasion with various events in their respective campuses. Students were reminded about their duty and responsibility in establishing a secure and safe nation.

India has a long history of friendly relations with Qatar marked by commercial ties and people to people contacts. The relationship today is rich, close and multidimensional.

The large Indian community in Qatar (about half a million) acts as a catalyst for enhanced ties across the spectrum of bilateral relations.

The Peninsula