India’s 76th Republic Day anniversary (77th Republic Day) was celebrated in Guyana on January 26. Celebrations resonated with national fervour as local Guyanese Indians and those from India partook in the celebrations in Georgetown with beloved patriotic tunes and dances.
The High Commissioner Dr Amit Telang unfurled the tricolour flag at the Swami Vivekanand Cultural Center in Georgetown early morning and read out President Murmu’s address to the nation. The event was attended by a couple hundred. In the evening, there was a reception also of a few hundreds attended by diplomats, Guyana government officials, and others. Both events, hosted by the High Commissioner Dr. Telang, was marked by pomp and splendour. There were speeches and singing. Students from the Cultural Center performed cultural dance played to traditional music, while patriotic songs were played to full applause by the guests. The Indian diaspora, dressed in vibrant traditional dresses, celebrated Republic Day not only in Guyana but also at all of the country’s missions and cultural centers where the national tricolour was unfurled. In Guyana, there were also the national anthems of both Guyana and India. Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai resonated in the celebrations among those seated under a tent as everyone joined in rendering the national song with pride and a spirit of unity.
In India and around the globe, Republic Day was also celebrated. World leaders or their representatives joined Indian Embassies to commemorate the anniversary. Indians around the Caribbean region, in Trinidad, Suriname, and Jamaica, among other West Indian territories, and throughout Latin America, also celebrated Indian Republic Day. Every year, India hosts a prominent world leader for republic Day. This year, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen were Chief Guests at this year’s Republic Day celebrations. A trade deal was signed with the European Union. They witnessed a dazzling display of India’s military might and cultural tableaux in a parade at Kartavya Path near Rajpati Bhavan (President’s home and government’s office), near the parliament, featuring military displays and cultural tableaux. The parade showcased advanced defense systems and highlighted India’s cultural diversity. The grand parade drew dignitaries, political leaders, and people from across the country and tourists.
Around the globe, there were speeches by local dignitaries and the reading of the speech delivered by the President of India on the occasion of Republic Day. Some Embassies also hosted receptions in the evening as in Guyana and Trinidad. Also, local Guyanese, Surinamese, Trinidadians, and Jamaicans saluted India’s enduring commitment to democracy since it became a nation in 1947 and a republic in 1950.
In Guyana, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall represented President Irfaan Ali who was traveling in England. Foreign Minister Hugh Todd was also in attendance on stage. They joined the High Commissioner Dr Amit Telang and his wife in a toast. The celebrations were held on the afternoon of the reading of the budget in Guyana’s national assembly, and as a result other members of the parliament and cabinet ministers could not attend the reception. Mr. Nandlall and Mr. Todd represented the President who was traveling in England. Nandlall read remarks from the government of Guyana saluting India on the occasion. As the AG noted, this joyous occasion celebrates India’s inspiring journey and reflects the close bonds and shared values between our two nations. He stressed the strengthening of relations between the two countries.
Separately, world leaders, including President Trump, Irfaan Ali, PM Kamla Persad Bissessar, President Xi of China, President Macron of France, among others extended greetings, highlighting their strong friendship with India.
President Trump issued greetings: “On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of India as you celebrate your Republic Day. The United States and India share a historic bond as the world’s oldest and largest democracies”.
President Xi sent a message to President Murmu stating: “India-China relations had continued to improve and develop, aligning with the fundamental interests of both countries and their people, and were of great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity”. He added: “China had always believed that being good neighbours, friends and partners who help each other succeed, and achieving the ‘dragon and the elephant dancing together,’ was the right choice for both China and India”.
In Trinidad on January 26, there was a flag-unfurling ceremony at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation in Mt. Hope, led by High Commissioner Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit. It brought together the Indian diaspora and friends of India.
As in Trinidad and elsewhere, Indians in Guyana said they are proud to be a part of this annual celebration with fellow nationals of India and the mission to showcase their culture and support for India.
