INDIA’S 72nd Independence Day was commemorated with a flag hosting ceremony at Tamavua early yesterday morning.
Speaking on behalf of the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal said for every Indian, whether living at home or anywhere else in the world, August 15 was sacred.
“It is marked on our calendars as a celebration of our sovereignty. We unfurl our national flag with great joy and enthusiasm in works places, municipalities, panchayats, colleges, schools, homes and neighborhoods,” Mr Sapkal said.
He said their tricolor was a symbol of their national pride and a constant reminder of their striving and self-belief.
“It is a day to look back with satisfaction and gratitude for what we have been able to achieve because to the efforts of successive generations of our elders,” he said.
Permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs Iowane Naivalurua said India stood tall today among world leaders as the country continues to be an inspiration to us all.
“India has really come a long way in her journey as an independent nation. Fiji is appreciative of the leadership that India provides in sharpening the interest of the development countries globally,” Mr Naivalurua said.
The e occasion was attended by dignitaries as well as crew from the visiting Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sahyadri.
