PRESS RELEASE
National Day of India- Cultural Evening
As part of India’s 75th Independence Anniversary celebrations as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the High Commission of India organised an Indian Cultural Evening at 6 pm. on 15th August 2021 at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), 67 New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown to celebrate India@75. H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India made opening remarks. Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana graced the occasion as Chief Guest. H.E. Mr. Donald Ramotar, former President, Hon. Dr. Frank C. Anthony, Minister of Health and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security addressed the gathering as Guests of Honour. Other MPs, Deputy Speaker Hon. Lenox Shuman and other dignitaries of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana were present at the event.
Members of Diplomatic Corps, high ranking Government officials, leading Diaspora members, etc. were also present. Indian nationals, members of Indian Diaspora, diplomats, leading businessmen, cultural personalities, friends of India, etc. attended the event.
The Indian Cultural Evening included a classical Kathak Dance by Ms. Roshni Boodu & Group; a Skit on India’s independence & contemporary India and progress and achievements made by India prepared by Mr. Neaz Subhan and performed by his Group; a Jugalbandi performance by Mr. Amjad Ali Warsi, Tabla Teacher, SVCC along with Dr. Mahender Sharma and Mr. Dev Anand; Patriotic theme yoga performed by Ms. Sushma Yenge of Namaste Yoga Studio; Dance performance by Berbice Delight Dance Group on patriotic Bollywood songs, etc.
Short video clips highlighting the concept of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav were also screened during the event. Indian Cuisine/Veg food exhibition and Indian Tea/Coffee-tasting were also arranged.
Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana had earlier sent a video message congratulating Hon’ble Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India and the Government and people of India on the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. In his speech he expressed satisfaction t the pace of growth of India-Guyana relations and wished to further strengthen the bilateral relations.
Hon. Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana wrote a letter addressed to H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, Government of India felicitating on the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day.
Former West Indies captain and legendary Guyanese batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul also shared a video message wishing India on its 75th Independence Day.
To mark this important day in the history of India, the High Commission had also organised a Flag Hoisting Ceremony in the morning at 9.30 am. at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. During the morning event, H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India hoisted the national flag of India and read the message to the nation by the Hon’ble President of India Mr. Ram Nath Kovind. Indian nationals resident in Guyana, members of the High Commission of India, etc. participated in the event.
In Guyana, the Indian Arrival Monument in Palmyra was got illuminated on this historic day on 15th August 2021 as part of the India@75, celebrations and the Government of India’s decision to illuminate 75 iconic buildings/structures/ monuments around the world with the Indian tricolour on the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day on 15 August 2021. (Photographs attached).
India is celebrating its 75th Independence Anniversary from March 2021 to August 2023 as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Government of India is organising various events across the globe in the run up to India@75, to celebrate this historic occasion. The High Commission has also been organising various events since March 2021 to commemorate this important occasion. (Few selected photographs of the event are attached).
