The 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence Day was celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at the Indian Embassy in Dublin, Ireland.
At the function attended by around 400 Indians, Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra unfurled the Indian Flag and read out the Message from the President of India to the nation. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Mishra highlighted the significance of the appeal to Indian citizens, by our Honourable President to follow the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution.
He recalled that our freedom fighters made supreme sacrifices; gave their lives, many in the age group of 20s-30s, some even teenagers – not to secure their rights, but while discharging their duty, their love for the motherland and its people. He stressed that Indian cultural ethos has been duty-centric, in which the society is nurtured and sustained by mutual caring & compassion – everyone performing one’s duty, “Dharma” – which is not the same as the Western idea of religion – and thus taking care of one another.
Ambassador Mishra applauded the outstanding work of Indian nurses and other professionals in Ireland in creating enormous goodwill and positive sentiments for India in Ireland. He also cited the exemplary role of some home-makers in the Tamil and Malayalam communities, who have come forward as volunteers for training and teaching languages, art, dance & music to young children.
The Indian Embassy also hosted a special Reception at India House which was attended by the Diplomatic Community and Irish dignitaries, including Members of Parliament and European Parliament, Mayors, Vice-Chancellors, Business Representatives, Artists, Cultural personalities, and prominent Members of the Indian Community.
In his Address at the Reception, Ambassador Mishra highlighted that India’s march as an Independent democratic country is a matter of joy and celebration not only for the people of India but also for every advocate of democracy around the world.
India’s democratic success story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to developing countries, as it belies the notion that democracy is suitable only for the rich, educated, and highly developed countries.
India’s example also belies the notion that democracy is divisive, and causes instability. In fact, it is only Democracy that unites the 1.4 billion people in a free, self-governing framework, unified by their shared commitment to one single document, the Constitution of India.
It is democracy that has given India the resilience to cope with daunting challenges and emerge stronger after every crisis since Independence.
India has also shown that democracy, with transparency and democratic accountability, can also deliver on the development front; countries don’t need to adopt autocratic, authoritarian regimes to provide fast-paced development. He cited the breathtaking pace of reforms and infrastructure building during the eight years of Prime Minister Modi’s Government.
Indian Embassy has been playing a major role in Ireland in building a strong bond between India and Ireland through their various initiatives.