Indian Ambassador H E Dr. Deepak Mittal with community members.
Doha: Indian community in Qatar yesterday celebrated the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence on the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) premises.
Men, women and children from across Qatar gathered in large numbers and took part in the celebrations with great enthusiasm. The gathering also included heads of Indian community associations, their members and embassy officials among others.
Indian Ambassador H E Dr. Deepak Mittal hoisted the tricolor which was followed by singing of the National Anthem and floral tributes to father of the nation – Mahatma Gandhi. He then read out excerpts from Honourable President of India Droupadi Murmu’s message, first such after she took oath as 15th President of India, to the gathering.
Indian Ambassador H E Dr. Deepak Mittal hoisting the National Flag.
Some of the highlights of the excerpts included India’s democratic roots and journey, remembering freedom struggle and its fighters especially from tribal and farming backgrounds, Amrit Mahotsav, Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, India’s achievements over the past 75 years in various sectors, etc.
In his speech, the ambassador congratulated the Indian Community in Qatar on the occasion as well as for successfully celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, under which more than 90 events have been conducted.
The ambassador thanked the leadership of Qatar for its continuous support to the Indian community. He appreciated Indian community’s contribution to Qatar in various fields and through varied professions, giving a special mention to the role of Indian women in Qatar.
As per the bilateral relations, the ambassador said that India’s 75-year journey also comprises of 50 years of India-Qatar relations. He highlighted strong bilateral trade and energy ties, interdependence of both the countries with respect to energy and food security, defence and security cooperation, education and cultural cooperation.
Indian Ambassador H E Dr. Deepak Mittal and officials with some children.
The envoy praised the work and activities of all four apex bodies working under the aegis of the embassy – ICC, ISC, IBPC, ICBF – and encouraged them to do more.
He assured the gathering that Indian Embassy would be striving harder, along with community organisations, for their wellbeing and to serve the Indian community round the clock. In this context, he urged everyone to actively use two of the recent facilities provided by the embassy – a call centre, Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) and app India in Qatar. He encouraged them to use them for raising grievances and queries. He also encouraged the community to extend full support to the host country for a successful and a memorable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
During the event, winners of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Quiz held in January were felicitated by the ambassador and medals in each of non-resident Indian and foreigner category were handed over.
The cultural performances including patriotic songs and dances enthralled the audience. The event was live-streamed on the embassy’s social media handles.
