Indian High Commission celebrates 75th Independence Day

The 75th Independence Day of India was celebrated in different parts of Sri Lanka on 15 August in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols. The celebrations this year are part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2021, to commemorate 75 years of a progressive and self-reliant India.

The main event was held at ‘India House’, the official residence of the High Commissioner of India. The High Commissioner hoisted the national flag and inspected the guard of honour. He also read excerpts of the President of India’s message on the occasion. The event was telecast live and was attended virtually by friends of India in Sri Lanka and members of the Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka.

A special prayer – ‘Ashirvad Puja’ – was held at Param Dhamma Chaitya Pirivena for the well-being of people of India and Sri Lanka on the day. The Indian monks at the Pirivena especially celebrated the Independence Day with great fervour. Several other cultural events were also organised online to commemorate the occasion. This included performances by the Colombo Expatriates Cultural Association, an Indian diaspora grouping and ‘Pavala Natya Maala’ – a collection of dance performances organised by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center in collaboration with Arusri Art Theatre, etc.

A unique program ‘Diamond Bridge’ by Global Association of Sri Lankan Bharatha Natyam artistes was webcast. This event comprised presentation of various Indian dance forms and violin renditions by renowned exponents.

A series of innovative initiatives were organised on social media platforms in the run up to the event including Fashion show, food festival and recital of Indian patriotic songs. These events received enthusiastic response and thousands of people participated from across the Island.

 Events were organised by the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, Consulate General in Jaffna and Consulate General in Hambantota as well to mark the 75th Independence Day. 

Several iconic buildings like the Galle Fort, Jaffna Cultural Centre, India House, Taj Samudra and Indian chancery premises at Colombo, Jaffna, Hambantota and Kandy were illuminated with colours of the Indian flag on Independence Day eve. A number of events are being held across Sri Lanka throughout the milestone year, till 15 August 2022, under the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative.