Kwatra praises Indian diaspora at Washington Independence Day celebrations

Vinay Mohan Kwatra hailed the Indian diaspora during the 80th Independence Day celebrations in Washington. The event underscored the community's growing role in deepening India-US ties.

In Short

• He unfurled the tricolour at India House after patriotic songs
• President Droupadi Murmu's Independence Day eve address was read at the event
• Suryapath Tiranga marked a global relay of tricolour ceremonies worldwide

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, on Saturday praised the Indian diaspora for its contribution to strengthening India-US ties at the 80th Independence Day celebrations in Washington. In a brief address, he said India's story over the past 80 years had been one of success and achievement, and commended the community for its role in deepening bilateral relations.

Kwatra unfurled the national tricolour at India House after the rendition of Vande Matram and the singing of the national anthem. He also read out President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day. The Indian embassy was part of the Suryapath Tiranga initiative, a global relay of tricolour unfurling ceremonies, and the programme also included cultural dance performances by artists from Studio Dhoom and the distribution of prizes for competitions organised by the embassy.

Referring to the Suryapath Tiranga initiative, Kwatra said, "Today we are celebrating Suryapath Tiranga where our pride, our flag, which carries our whole nation, travels with the sun. Wherever the sun rises, Tiranga also rises." He added, "So at some point in time, Tiranga will always be unfurled in every part of the world. So, it's a big day, and I want to wish everybody in the entire Indian diaspora in the US, their families, their friends of India, a very, very happy Independence Day."

Kwatra gave away prizes to the winners of the painting competition organised by the embassy. In the 13-16 age group, the winners were Yadavi Sharma, Amogh Kulkarni, Aritri Mondal, Advik Sood and Aditi Thakur. In the 10-12 age group, the winners were Anvika Kajjam, Niyati Ramrakshani, Shrestha Datta, Raisa Vohra and Anagha Nikesh. In the 6-9 age group, the winners were Yashasvi Sharma, Saisha Vanjari, Yesha Mehta, Aranya Anil, Maanya Madangopal, Vaani Hyanki and Sayantika Roy.

The winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye quiz contest were Gagandeep Druvakumara, Konika Verma, Malvika Gohil, Sejal Mehta and Harshita Tak. Nahar Gurudatha won the ICCR Pratibha Sangam Competition. The celebrations in Washington brought together the flag unfurling, the President's message, the Suryapath Tiranga initiative, cultural performances and prize distribution as part of India's 80th Independence Day observance.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends