By John Okeke
The High Commission of India (HCI), Abuja celebrated 76th Independence Day, on 15th
August 2022 at the Chancery premises in presence of around 350 members of Indian Community and friends of India . In addition to Abuja, celebrations were also held at OHCI, Lagos Kano, PortHarcourt and across Benin and Chad by Indian nationals and local friends.
As a part of 76th Independence Day and ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM)
celebration, the HCI, Abuja organized various events such as AKAM Run/Walk, Essay Writing Competition, Painting Competition, Conference on India-Nigeria relation with Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development. during the weeklong celebration. A special
supplement was brought out in one of the leading newspaper-Punch on this occasion.
The 76th independence Day celebrations started with the hoisting of the National Flag by High Commissioner, G. Balasubramanian followed by singing of the National Anthem. A group of Nigerian Student from Mewar International University (MIU) also participated in the rendition of the national Anthem. The High Commissioner addressed the gathering and read excerpts from the address of the President of India H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu to the Nation. In his remarks, the
High Commissioner highlighted the importance of the 76th Independence Day celebrations under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM).
Followed by the High Commissioner’s remarks, the Indian Cultural Association, Abuja presented cultural performances which included fancy dress, singing of Patriotic songs, dance etc.
Prizes were distributed among the winners of AKAM Quiz competition, Essay writing competition and Painting Competition. As a part of AKAM Celebration, HCI, Abuja in partnership with Max Hospital and Tulsi Chanrai Foundation Eye Hospital organized a free medical check-up camp for blue collar Indian workers in Nigeria. Promotion of Indian States and tourism was done during the celebrations by way of putting stalls of various Indian States at the venue of the celebrations. Refreshments were served to all the attendees.
The celebrations were streamed live on Mission’s Facebook and YouTube handles.
Representatives of several media organizations (Print/TV) attended the event.
