Kathmandu, January 26

The Embassy of India celebrated the 70th Republic Day of India here today. Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri hoisted the national flag and read out the Indian president’s message on the occasion.

The flag hoisting ceremony was attended by over 1,500 Indians and friends of India. Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Modern Indian School and Swami Vivekananda Culture Centre sang patriotic songs followed by a scintillating performance by the Nepali Army band.

On the occasion, Ambassador Puri honoured two brave women, nine widows and three next of kin of deceased soldiers of Indian Armed Forces by distributing their dues worth Rs 7.26 crore and a blanket each. Reiterating its commitment to helping the retired soldiers, the embassy unveiled the Bhu Puu-2018 magazine covering the welfare initiatives of the Government of India for ex-servicemen domiciled in Nepal.

Similarly, Ambassador Puri presented keys of 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit organisations and educational institutions of different districts of Nepal.

Since 1994, the Government of India has gifted 722 ambulances and 142 buses to various organisations across Nepal to expand access to healthcare and educational services, said a press release issued by the embassy.

It also announced book grant to 54 educational institutions and libraries across Nepal to promote access to educational material to students in remote areas.

Later in the day, Ambassador Puri hosted a reception at India House.  Vice-president of Nepal Nanda Bahadur Pun graced the event as the chief guest.  On this occasion, to mark the seven decades of India-Nepal diplomatic ties, a book titled ‘India & Nepal- 70 Years of Diplomatic Ties’ was also released by the vice-president along with the ambassador. The event was attended by more than 1,000 dignitaries, including senior political leaders and public personalities.