By Sajeev K Peter

KUWAIT: The Indian embassy in Kuwait yesterday celebrated India's 72nd Republic Day, one of the most significant days on India's national calendar. The celebrations were held in consonance with the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

The official program was held from 9:00 am at the embassy premises. Indian Ambassador Sibi George paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi which was followed by unfurling of the national tricolor flag and singing of the Indian national anthem. On the occasion, the ambassador read out President of India's message to the nation.

In his address on the occasion, the ambassador extended greetings to all Indians in Kuwait. "Let's join our 1.3 billion brothers and sisters in India, millions of Indian diaspora abroad and billions of our friends across the world to celebrate this occasion," he said.

He thanked HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for hosting the large Indian community in Kuwait. He also thanked the government of Kuwait and Kuwaiti friends of India for their efforts and support in strengthening India-Kuwait relations.

"We in the embassy are fully conscious of the fact that some of our brothers and sisters continue to face an unprecedentedly difficult situation today due to the pandemic. I thank the many community members and various associations who individually and in coordination with Indian Community Support Group (ICSG) took several steps to help our brothers and sisters in need during the most difficult days of the pandemic," he said.

He saluted the doctors, nurses and medical professionals who made many sacrifices in Kuwait and all across the world to save lives. "I commend our students, schools, teachers and parents in facing the challenges with determination and adapting to the way education is now being digitally administered. I also thank our media friends who helped us to reach out to Indian community in Kuwait and also to our Kuwaiti friends," he added.

He invited the community in Kuwait to join hands with the embassy to celebrate the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait and also the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence. The whole event was live-streamed on mission's social media handles. In the run-up to the Republic Day celebrations, the embassy had organized weekly online quiz competition for school students and general public.