ABU DHABI // Thousands of people turned out to celebrate the 65th Indian Republic Day.
More than 2,500 people from the community – businessmen, parents and children – all sporting patriotic attire assembled at the Abu Dhabi Indian School on Sunday.
Hundreds of Indian flags adorned the building, while children dressed in saris, turbans and sarongs sang national songs.
“I have been preparing for this event for the past two weeks. I feel very fortunate to perform on this day. This is a historical moment for us,” said Urmi Balachandan, a grade 8 pupil.
The Indian national anthem was sung and balloons signifying sacrifice, unity and peace were released at the school, off Muroor Road, which has about 6,500 pupils.
Another pupil from grade 8, Ambarish Suresh, sang a patriotic song for unity.
“The day is about being united and striding ahead. We all need to be one as it gives strength,” Ambarish said.
“I am very happy to be a part of this historic Republic Day of India.”
Pupils danced and sang in front of their parents and teachers. One performance involved 110 pupils dressed in India’s green, white and saffron who sang national songs.
N C Vijaya Chandra, the school’s principal, paid tribute to the pupils and said they had been preparing for weeks.
“India is emerging now and it is going to be a very young India emerging. And hopefully in hands of a younger generation who take care of their own country and make India one of the global leaders.”
January 26 commemorates the date on which the constitution of India came into force in 1950 as the governing document of India.
The festivities ended with a march of boys and girls illustrating the pupils’ sense of unity in diversity.
Jeanan Flanagan, a parent who attended the event, said: “I have taken a day off today to be a part of Republic Day celebrations and encourage my son, who has performed today.”
Another member of the Indian community in Abu Dhabi, Ragothaman Raghavan, said it was a day for celebration.
“This is a great day to celebrate and we are very delighted.”
A Republic Day message from the president of India, Pranab Mukherjee, was read out by the school’s head girl, Nida Naeem.
“There will be a new government before I speak to you again on the eve of our independence day. Who wins the coming election is less important than the fact that whoever wins must have an undiluted commitment to stability, honesty and the development of India,” Mr Mukherjee said, referring to May’s general election in India.
The school’s chairman, BR Shetty, praised the UAE’s leadership for extending support to the Indian community and donating land for the school.
There had been problems regarding a lack of school places, but Mr Shetty said the UAE had helped to ease this shortage.
“We have got land for opening up a new school next year in Al Wathba,” he said.
Mr Shetty also praised the students for their efforts and reminded them to be proud of India’s national unity, heritage and culture.
A number of community members also gathered at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Sunday where there was a flag-raising ceremony.
anwar@thenational.ae
