Kathmandu, August 15

The 73rd Independence Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu amidst various programmes today.

Celebrations began with hoisting of the national flag of India by Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri, who then read out the message of the President of India Ram Nath Kovind for the occasion. President Kovind’s message highlighted the achievements made by India in various fields in the past 72 years since it got independence from the British Empire in 1947.

Ambassador Puri felicitated three Veer Naris, five widows and six next of kin of deceased soldiers by disbursing their dues worth Rs 5.31 crore and a blanket to each.

The embassy gifted books to 40 libraries and educational institutions spread across all provinces of Nepal. It gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations and educational institutions of Nepal, thereby reaffirming Government of India’s commitment to partner with Nepal in its journey towards socio-economic development.

According to the embassy, the Government of India has gifted 752 ambulances and 148 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 catering to educational needs of thousands of students.

The 73rd Independence Day of India celebrations was attended by members of Indian communities in Nepal and friends of India, apart from embassy officials and their families. Celebrations witnessed rendition of patriotic songs by students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Kathmandu, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Modern Indian School.

The ceremony concluded with a mesmerising performance by Nepali Army band.