Press Release
Celebration of 73rd Republic Day of India
On the historically important occasion of India celebrating it’s 75th Independence Anniversary as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, for 75 weeks India@75 from March 2021 to 15th August 2023, the 73rd Republic Day of India was celebrated on 26th January 2022 by the High Commission of India, Georgetown with a Flag Hoisting Ceremony in the morning at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Georgetown. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, this year, the celebration was restricted to minimum number of persons in the spirit of COVID guidelines laid down by the Government of Guyana.
H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India, hoisted the tricolor Indian National Flag and read out the message of Hon’ble President of India, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India. The event featured few cultural programmes performed by Mr. Amjad Ali Warsi, Tabla Teacher, Ms. Varsha J. Chaudhari, Dance Teacher and students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
A Reception was also held at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown, in the evening on 26th January 2022. H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Vice President H.E. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, former President H.E. Mr. Donald Ramotar, Diplomats, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, CEOs and other dignitaries attended the Reception. The event was coloured with cultural performances of fusion dances by National Dance Company, Amerindian traditional dance by Riverside Angels Dance Group, Bollywood Dance by Berbice Dance Group, Mr. Amjad Ali Warsi, Tabla Teacher, Ms. Varsha J. Chaudhari, Dance Teacher and students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. Both the events were live-streamed on the social media of the High Commission and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
Addressing the gatherings, High Commissioner Dr. Srinivasa reiterated the deep bond between Guyana and India dating back to over 180 years ago and India’s commitment to be a trusted partner for Guyana. He conveyed that despite the repeated waves of Corona with new variants, India is moving ahead in the economic field with many promising results with IMF and the World Bank predicting 8.5 per cent GDP growth rates. India also achieved administering 1.6 billion corona vaccine doses in just one year. India has regained the confidence of the business community by reforming measures and promoting Ease of Doing Business and minimising government interference. Indian collaboration with Guyana continues with Lines of Credit and Grants assistance worth around US$ 100 million for various developmental projects. India and Guyana continue to collaborate on the cultural and educational fronts with over 50 ITEC scholarships, 19 ITEC training slots for the GDF and training in Indian culture, dance and music. Over 4,500 Guyanese students are studying in two Indian universities under the GOAL programme. High Commissioner said India cherishes its partnership and friendship with Guyana and looks forward to 2022 bringing health, happiness and prosperity to all our people.
In his address, H.E. President Dr. Irfaan Ali said that Guyana and India have always shared a bond of friendship built on mutual values & principles and shared interests and the cooperation continues to grow. He added that India has been extremely supportive of Guyana’s development and mentioned about various developmental projects executed in Guyana by India and the ITEC scholarships provided by India for study and training in India in various fields. He made a particular reference to the opportunity afforded to thousands of Guyanese students to pursue education through Indian universities under the GOAL initiative of Guyana. He shared that the generosity of Indian Prime Minister Modi helped Guyana to kickstart the COVID-19 immunization campaign at a time when many countries were struggling to obtain vaccines. The President took the opportunity to applaud India for its exemplary record of administering 1.6 billion vaccine doses to its population while at the same time sharing vaccines with many developing and vulnerable countries across the globe. India’s leadership and good will in contributing to the global efforts to combat the pandemic is in the finest traditions of international solidarity. The President has recommited to working with India to maintain and further strengthen the traditionally and mutually beneficial relations.
Few selected photos of the event are attached.
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27th January 2022
