Indian embassy in Kathmandu marks 72nd Independence Day

Kathmandu, August 15

The Embassy of India marked the 72nd Independence Day of India here today.

Indian independence is annually celebrated on August 15 as a national holiday in India, commemorating the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom on August 15, 1947.

The celebrations at the embassy began with hoisting of the national flag by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri, who then read out the message of the president of India. The president’s message highlighted the achievements of India in various fields in the past 71 years, according to a statement issued by the embassy.

On the occasion, the ambassador felicitated one Veer Nari, seven widows, three next of kins of deceased soldiers and one disabled ex-servicemen of Indian Armed Forces by distributing their dues worth Rs 53.5 million and a blanket to each.

The embassy gifted books worth Rs 1.7 million to 68 libraries and educational institutions across all the provinces of Nepal. It also handed over 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations and educational institutions of Nepal, thereby reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to partnering with Nepal in its journey towards socio-economic development, read the statement.

The Government of India has so far gifted 692 ambulances and 136 buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations and educational institutions of 77 districts in Nepal, expanding healthcare access for thousands of Nepali people and serving the educational needs of thousands of students.

Members of the Indian community in Nepal and friends apart from Embassy officials and their families attended the Independence Day celebrations. The celebrations witnessed students of Indian Culture Centre, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Modern Indian School singing patriotic songs. The ceremony concluded with a mesmerising performance by the Nepali Army band.