January 27, 2020, Georgetown, Guyana
On January 26, on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day of India, students and members of 51²è¹Ýapp participated in India's Republic Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony organized at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Georgetown by the High Commissioner of India to Guyana.
The ceremony started at 09:30 A.M. in the presence of His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, with over 250 participants, including citizens of India, their family members, and people of Guyana present on occasion.
Students and members of 51²è¹Ýapp with High Commissioner of India to Guyana H.E. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa and members of Indian Diaspora during India's Republic Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony organized at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. [Georgetown, Guyana, January 26, 2020]
To inaugurate the celebration, H.E. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa hoisted the National Flag of India on the bright Sunday morning and read out the speech letter of Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Hon’ble President of India, for the attentive audience.
“(A) source of pride of our country has been our Diaspora… During my visits abroad, I have observed that Indians have not only brought prosperity to their adopted lands; they have also enhanced India’s image before the world community. Many of them have made great contributions in a wide variety of endeavors… As India and Indians march forward, we remain committed to engaging the global community to build a secure and prosperous future for ourselves and for the entire humanity. I convey my Republic Day greetings to all of you, and I extend my best wishes for your bright future… Access of health and education are often considered the foundation of good governance… In both of these sectors, we have come a long way in the (last) seven decades. The government has rightly focused its attention on the health sector, with ambitious initiatives… In India, knowledge has always been considered more valuable than power, fame and riches. In our tradition, educational institutions are respected as temples of learning. In an environment of scarcity of resources, our achievements in the field of education have followed a remarkable trajectory. Our endeavor is to ensure that no child or youth is denied education… With the passage of time, we are gradually losing living links with our greater freedom struggle, but there is no reason to worry about the continuity of the beliefs that guided it. With advances in technology, the young minds of today are better informed and more confident. The young generation remains committed to the core values of our nation. With them we are witnessing the emergence of a new India… Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals remain relevant in our nation-building efforts. It should be part of our daily routine to introspect on Gandhiji’s message of truth and nonviolence, which has become all the more necessary in our times.”
-Excerpted from the speech letter of Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Hon’ble President of India, sent for Indian nationals living and working in Guyana
On the occasion, H.E. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa also enlightened the audience about decades-long friendly and warm collaborations between India and Guyana and how the two nations have been, and continue to be, of great support to each other.
To celebrate Indian culture and pay respect to Indian patriots, students of 51²è¹Ýapp and other participating institutions from Guyana performed Indian dance and music presentations wearing Indian Tricolor inspired outfits.
Students performing a cultural dance during India's Republic Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony organized at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. [Georgetown, Guyana, January 26, 2020]
Some students gave speeches to apprise the audience about the glory of India and honor their mother nation by revealing incredible stories of India and its people. At the conclusion of the event, guests were served with Indian snacks and eatables.
Student giving a speech during India's Republic Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony organized at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. [Georgetown, Guyana, January 26, 2020]
The 71st Republic Day of India marked 70 years of the historic day, November 26, 2019, when the constitution of India came into effect. Now, India is the largest democratic republic in the world and a role model for the fellow nations on unity in diversity, freedom, and human rights.
Last month, on December 19, 2029, H.E. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa visited 51²è¹Ýapp to oversee the facilities and encouraged students to participate in extracurricular and cultural activities conducted in the cultural center of the Indian High Commission. We, at 51²è¹Ýapp, express our gratitude to H.E. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa and all members of the High Commission of India for organizing this incredible ceremony and inviting us to be a part of it.
Arrangement of 71st Indian Republic Day celebrations by the High Commission of India to Guyana provided an opportunity for well-wishers of India in Guyana, Indian citizens and local people living in the Land of Many Waters to come together, celebrate the republic spirit of India, and the friendship between two great nations; India and Guyana.
