The 74th Republic Day of India was celebrated on Jan. 26 by the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh, with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour, according to the embassy’s press release.

The celebrations, organised at the embassy’s premises, commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Ambassador of India to Cambodia, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, followed by singing of the National Anthem of India.

H.E. Ms. Devyani Khobragade greeted the Indian community in Cambodia and Friends of India in Cambodia and thanked them for turning out in large number on the occasion. The ambassador had an extensive interaction with more than 150 members from Indian community, students and Friends of India who joined in the ceremony.

The students sang the patriotic songs. Prizes were distributed during the ceremony to the winners of a quiz on Buddhism conducted by Embassy of India, Phnom Penh. Appreciation certificates were also handed over by H.E. Ms. Ambassador to the participants of a quiz on Hindi language as well as Children’s Day competitions. The guests enjoyed the Indian refreshments served at the end of the event.

H.E. Ms. Devyani Khobragade, thereafter, read out excerpts from Hon’ble President of India’s address to the nation. Hon’ble President said that India is home to one of the oldest living civilisations and is called the mother of democracy.

“India succeeded as a democratic republic because so many creeds and so many languages have not divided us, they have only united us. That is the essence of India which is also at the heart of the Indian Constitution, which has withstood the test of time,” she said.

“The national movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was as much about winning Independence as about rediscovering our own ideals. Those who shaped the modern Indian mind also welcomed progressive ideas from abroad, following the Vedic advice: ‘Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions’,” she added.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press