By Zeena Zonfalos, Overseas Editor
Nicosia, Cyprus
Her excellency Ms. Madumita Hazarika Bhagat, High Commissioner of India, hoisted the National Flag on the occasion of 71st Republic Day of India on Sunday, January 26th, 2020 at her residence in Nicosia.
The Flag raising ceremony took place in the garden of her residence with the crowd gathered at 10 am. A few of the ex-soldiers were also present in uniform.
The crowd moved on to the offices of the India Tourism Beaureau where Her excellency read the address from Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind from New Delhi, at the social hall. Extract from the long address included the underlying message of democracy.
“The idea of the world as a large well-knit family, captured in our message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, strengthens our relations with other nations. We have been sharing our democratic ideals and the fruits of our development with the entire world” and continued to emphasize the theme of a forward-looking nation, “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.”
Followed by the address was the chanting of India’s National Anthem by a select group of community members of the diaspora of the Indian community of Cyprus.
This was followed by a luncheon buffet from Yummy India Restaurant and a cake-cutting ceremony.
