The Indian community in Nigeria celebrated the country’s 73rd Republic Day on Wednesday in Lagos with a call for patriotism and sense of duty among the citizens.
Rachit Rawat, Head of Chancery, Indian Deputy High Commission, who read President Ram Nath Kovind’s speech, reiterated the diversity and vibrancy of India’s democracy which was appreciated world-wide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that India celebrates its Republic Day yearly on January 26.
India gained independence from the British in 1947, but it wasn’t until January 26, 1950 that its constitution came into effect, making it a sovereign state and a republic.
The envoy said India was an ancient civilisation but a young republic, adding that nation-building was their constant endeavour.
“Whether you are a doctor or a lawyer, a shopkeeper or office-worker, a sanitation employee or a labourer, doing your duty well and efficiently is the first and foremost contribution you make to the nation,” he said.
According to him, the preamble of India’s constitution sums up its guiding principles – democracy, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity which form the bedrock on which the republic stands.
“These are the values that form our collective inheritance and they have been accorded primacy in our constitution in the form of fundamental rights and fundamental duties of the citizens.”
He said that the world had never been in need of help as now, adding that the world had suffered from unprecedented misery, and surge after surge of new COVID-19 variants had been posing new crises.
He added that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) had played an important role in providing employment to people and imparting impetus to the Indian economy, stressing that innovative young entrepreneurs had set new benchmarks of success by making effective use of the start-up eco-system.
“Our youth have taken advantage of these opportunities and set new benchmarks of success.
“I am sure that with this energy, confidence and entrepreneurship, our country will continue to march ahead on the path of progress and will definitely secure its rightful place, befitting its potential, in the global community.
“It is gratifying to note that India has found a place among the top 50 innovative economies and is all the more satisfying to note that we have been able to promote merit while also stressing upon all-round inclusion.
“India has always considered the whole world as one family and I am sure that, inspired by this spirit of universal brother-hood, our country and the entire global community will move towards a more equitable and prosperous future.”
The President, Indian Cultural Association , Chief Sanjay Jain, said India’s republic day was celebrated with much pump all across the country.
According to Jain, the main attraction of the celebration was the annual parade which began at Rajpath, Delhi, and ended at the India Gate
He said that the ceremonious event also showcased India’s cultural and social heritage, parades and air shows by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
Jain, however, said that the day was also celebrated in Nigeria with great enthusiasm and presentations of patriotic songs and dances.
“While on cultural front many other things are showcased, the companies present in Nigeria also come forward and showcase their products.
“Indian Cultural Association in the usual manner always attempts to bring two cultures together to achieve cordial and harmonious relationship between the two communities.
“The dance performance presented today by a Nigerian to an Indian song is one of the best examples of gestures whereby we bring the two communities together,” he said.
He stressed that such gestures were highly appreciated by the Nigerian community and had always propagated the scope of bilateral relations.
“While we continue to receive the congratulatory messages from our Nigerian friends, we convey our profound thanks to them for their kind gesture towards the Indian community,” Jain said. (NAN)
