KATHMANDU: The Indian Embassy in Nepal marked the 69th Republic Day of India hosting programmes on its premises in Kathmandu on Friday. Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba among others attended the celebration and reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri. Also to mark the occasion, Indian Ambassador Puri hoisted the Indian national flag at the ceremony held at the Embassy premises earlier in the morning today. On the occasion, the Ambassador felicitated seven widows, four next of kins of deceased soldiers and one soldier with disability of Indian Armed Forces by distributing their dues worth a total of NRs 40 million. Similarly, on the occasion, Ambassador Puri donated 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charity organizations, and educational institutions of different districts in Nepal. As of date, the Government of India has gifted 662 ambulances and 130 buses to various organisations across Nepal to support the expansion of access to healthcare and educational services in Nepal. The Embassy also announced book grant to 41 educational institutions and libraries across Nepal to provide educational materials to students in remote areas.