Indian ambassador marks nation’s independence

The imminent arrival to the UAE of the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, has fired up patriotic fervour among non-resident Indians celebrating their country’s 69th Independence Day on Saturday.

ABU DHABI // The imminent arrival of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi fired up patriotic fervour among non-resident Indians celebrating their country’s 69th independence day on Saturday.

The flag-raising ceremony at the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi drew close to 500 patriots – four times the usual turnout – to commemorate independence from the British Empire.

Ambassador T P Seetharam said growing excitement for the arrival of Mr Modi fuelled the increased participation.

“A lot of people came, more than usual, and it’s because they all know the prime minister is arriving tomorrow,” said Mr Seetharam, who read Indian president Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation.

Mr Seetharam said more than 50,000 people have registered to attend a reception for Mr Modi tomorrow evening at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The venue holds about 25,000 people, so organisers are making arrangements to add outdoor video screens to allow an overflow crowd to watch the address.

“It’s an exciting event for them,” said Mr Seetharam. “He’s a charismatic leader so they all want to see him and hear him speak.”

Vinod Tiwari, an engineer who has lived in Abu Dhabi for four years, said the ceremony at the embassy inspired pride and promoted a sense of patriotism.

“The major thing that we do is the flag-hoisting, we salute, we feel proud,” said the 42-year-old.

Indira Gandhi was the last Indian leader to visit the UAE, in 1981. In the 34 years since, a lot had changed.

“The relationship has grown, the trade relationship is again very important for each other. We are certainly in the top three trading partners,” said Mr Seetharam. “There is significant Indian investment here in the UAE as well.”

The Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) also held a flag-raising ceremony yesterday that drew close to 300 residents.

“We are celebrating 69 years of independence we won through a freedom struggle without arms or ammunition,” said George Varghese, sports secretary for the ISC. “We are enjoying the freedom.”

The centre was forced to postpone its evening cultural celebrations after the passing of one of its former presidents, M K Ravimenon, who died of a heart attack on Friday.

“He was 70, he looked like 50 only. He never drank or smoked. He used to walk one hour daily,” said Mr Varghese, who noted Ravimenon had been active in the ISC up to three days ago.

He served as president of the ISC and 1991 and 1992.