PRESS RELEASE
National Day of India - India’s 75th Independence Anniversary celebrations as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, in St. Kitts and Nevis
As part of India’s 75th Independence Anniversary celebrations as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the local Indian Community celebrated the historical day in St. Kitts and Nevis. Antigua and Barbuda in the morning on 15th August 2021. Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Honorary Consul of India’s office has arranged and facilitated for community marking this important day and hoisting the Indian national flag followed by singing of the national anthem.
Indian nationals, members of Indian Diaspora, leading businessmen, cultural personalities, friends of India, etc. attended the event.
In his speech, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris wished the Indian Community in St. Kitts and Nevis a joyous celebration and every happiness on this 75th Independence Day. He said that that Indian Independence Day is a wonderful celebration of a people taking control of their own destiny. For 74 years India has been an independent nation and what a powerhouse it has become, what a force it is now. He commended “when you meet with Indian leaders, you can understand very quickly why India has become the global leader it is today”. He added that Independence Day is also a chance to acknowledge the contribution made by the Indian Community in the Caribbean as well, the Indian Community have a long and proud history throughout the Caribbean which can be trade back over 150 years. He also praised the contribution of the Indian Community in St. Kitts and Nevis saying that they have been a core part of the Federation since 1860s involving in every facet of the nation and thanked them for the role they play for helping the country to build a stronger and safer future in the twin island. He further added that the relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and India is a close one and the strength of the friendship was on full display during the height of the COVID-19 crisis when the Government of India gifted 20,000 Covishield vaccine doses to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis under Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s Vaccine Maitri (Vaccine Friendship) initiative to assist in it’s efforts to combat COVID-19 pandemic. He said it was one of the very first, way ahead of many other nations in providing COVID-19 vaccines and that donation made all the difference and it helped save many, many lives in the island nation.
To mark this important day in the history of India, the High Commission of India in Guyana organised a Flag Hoisting Ceremony in the morning at 9.30 am. at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, 67 New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown. During the 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 the evening, the High Commission also organised an Indian Cultural Evening with dances, songs, Yoga, etc. at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) to celebrate India@75. Prime Minister, Former President, Ministers and various other dignitaries of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana attended the event. A Skit on India’s independence, contemporary India and progress and achievements was also presented.
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 on the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day on 15 August 2021.
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.
