Kathmandu, August 15:

On the occasion of the 61st Independence Day of India, the Government of India today gifted ambulances, school buses and books to various organisations and schools in Nepal.

At a public function on the Indian Embassy premises, Indian ambassador to Nepal, Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, on behalf of the Government of India, presented 17 ambulances to

charitable and government organisations in different parts of the country.

While Mukherjee presented 13 ambulances to 13 organisations here, four ambulances were donated to organisations located in Makwanpur, Rautahat, Chitwan and Mahottari districts by the consul general of India in Birgunj, a statement issued by the Indian embassy said. A public function was also organised in Birgunj to mark the day today.

Mukherjee also donated school buses to the Adarsh Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Nawalparasi, Shree Bhoj Bhagat High School, Bara and Mahakaleshwory Secondary School in Dhading.

At the function, Mukherjee presented books worth Rs 300,000 to 17 educational and training institutions located in different regions of Nepal, including in some remote districts such as Bajura, Baitadi and Mustang.