The Embassy of India in Riyadh marked the 79th Independence Day of India on Thursday with a festive ceremony attended by around one thousand guests, including members of the Indian community, embassy officials, media representatives, and friends of India in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The festivities began with the hoisting of the Indian Tricolor by Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, after which the national anthem was recited. The Ambassador paid floral tribute to the bust statue of Mahatma Gandhi before reading out the President’s message to the nation as well as Indians overseas on this auspicious occasion.
Keynote speaker Ambassador Khan spoke about the strengthening Saudi-India bilateral relationship and the Indian diaspora’s exemplary role in making this relationship strong and vibrant.
The diplomatic addresses were followed by cultural performances by members of the Indian community that captured India’s diversity through a heterogeneous set of patriotic songs and classical dance performances.
Following the formal ceremony, Ambassador Khan personally interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, further solidifying the relationship between the diaspora and the embassy.
As part of the lead-up to Independence Day, the officials of the embassy, their families, and Indian community members actively participated in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, showcasing patriotism and pride for the Tricolor.
A cleanliness drive was also specially initiated in the embassy under the ‘Har Ghar Swachhata’ campaign to render the workplace neat and comfortable while promoting a sense of service and efficiency.
India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day in 2025, 78 years since it gained independence from British colonial occupation on August 15, 1947.
The embassy’s festivities are part of global celebrations of this historic day, which marks the anniversary of India’s freedom from colonial rule and the establishment of the world’s largest democracy.
