KUWAIT CITY, Aug 15: Unfurling the Indian 'Tricolor' at the Indian embassy in Kuwait on the 78th Independence Day of India, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait His Excellency Dr Adarsh Swaika extended his greetings to all Indians in Kuwait and friends of India across the country.

Following the unfurling of the flag, Dr Swaika read the message of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu which was broadcast to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day celebrations.

In her message, the Indian President said, “I extend my warmest Independence Day greetings to all. As we prepare to celebrate our 78th Independence Day, the sight of our national flag being hoisted across the nation fills our hearts with pride and joy. This day unites us, celebrating our shared identity as a nation.”

On August 15, both in India and abroad, Indians gather for flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and patriotic celebrations. The voices of young children remind us of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters, linking the past with the aspirations of future generations.

As we honor those who fought for our freedom, we remember the struggles of our nation under foreign rule. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and countless others unified our diverse country in the fight for independence. We also recognize tribal heroes like Birsa Munda, whose contributions are now more widely appreciated.

Today, as we observe Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas, we remember the horrors of partition and stand in solidarity with those who endured that tragedy.

Our Constitution, she said, is a beacon of justice, equality, and liberty, and continues to guide us. Despite challenges, we have remained committed to these ideals, allowing our democracy to flourish. The recent elections, with nearly 97 crore eligible voters, were a testament to our democratic strength, thanks to the Election Commission and all those involved.

India's economic growth has been remarkable, with poverty rates declining and significant strides made in agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, we are poised to become a global leader. This progress reflects the hard work of our citizens, the vision of our leaders, and the resilience of our democracy.

We also prioritize social justice, ensuring that affirmative action, gender equality, and climate justice remain central to our policies. Initiatives like PM-SURAJ and NAMASTE demonstrate our commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

The youth are the future of India, and our focus on education, skilling, and employment opportunities will shape a developed nation by our centenary. Our advancements in science, technology, and space exploration, along with achievements in sports, highlight our nation’s potential.

As we celebrate Independence Day, I extend my greetings to all, especially our brave armed forces, police, civil servants, judiciary, and overseas citizens. Let’s honor our shared heritage and continue working towards a brighter future.

Meanwhile, Dr Swaika reiterated the commitment of the Embassy to assist those in need, saying the embassy doors are open to every Indian who seeks help.

He also reminded those present that it is vital that we respect the laws and traditions of the host country, in addition to ensuring that all documents are in place and do not violate the country’s residence and labor laws.

By Paulo Francisco X. Fernandes
Arab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff