The festivities to commemorate the 61st Republic Day of India opened in Kuwait on the morning of January 26, 2010, with the unfurling of the national flag by the Ambassador of India, Ajai Malhotra. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem.  Ambassador Malhotra then read out the Address to the Nation by the President of India, Pratibha Patil, and addressed the gathering of Indian nationals who had assembled at the Indian Embassy premises. Thereafter, school children from three Indian schools in Kuwait sang patriotic songs and an all-girls brass band of the Indian Community School in Kuwait performed to the delight of those attending the celebrations.

This was followed by an Open House Reception at which Indian snacks and other refreshments were served to all those present. The festivities were attended by nearly 5,000 Indian nationals hailing from all walks of life, including project workers and domestic workers, representatives of Indian associations, engineers, doctors, accountants, and other professionals, technicians, traders and businessmen, besides embassy staff and their families. The 600,000 strong Indian community is the largest expatriate presence in Kuwait and a microcosm of India’s rich diversity. Several major newspapers in Kuwait issued special supplements to mark India’s Republic Day. A reception for Kuwaiti and other dignitaries will be hosted by the ambassador of India on Jan 26 evening.