Dubai: After the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Indian Embassy and Consulate many cultural events are planned across the emirates as Indan expatriates celebrate the 68th Independence Day of their nation.
In the evening, the Sharjah Indian Association is holding a multicultural show at its auditorium where admission is free for all Indians residing in the UAE.
A cultural show at the Dubai consulate auditorium will showcase some traditional Indian music and dance. Later in the day, a blood donation camp has also been organised by the Consulate.
Consul General Anurag Bhushan told Gulf News: “This is my first Independence Day since my arrival in Dubai early this year. On this occasion I convey my heartfelt greetings to all my fellow countrymen and friends of India.“
“To me, being an Indian means upholding the age-old values that form the fabric of Indian society — humility, patience, plurality and diversity. A sense of unity binds every Indian to their motherland. Celebrating the Indian Independence Day keeps me connected to my roots and makes me realise that in spite of the various economic hardships that the majority of the Indian population faces, there are many that have risen above their background to contribute to the economic growth of India and other countries where the Indian diaspora exists,” said Karim Merchant, Group CEO and MD of Pure Gold Jewellers
“Being a proud Indian means being proud of its culture of plurality and its intrinsic tolerance towards other streams of cultures. It’s all about having this incredible bond with your family, friends and the world. This love for family is exemplified in Indian films. However, India’s challenges are immense. The country has the largest film industry in the world, yet an Oscar is a faraway dream. The first university in the world was set up here. Today, none of our universities are in the top 100 list. It’s time for all Indians to wake up for their home country, embrace patriotism and work together to achieve their common dreams,” said Sohan Roy, Sharjah-based film maker and CEO of Aries Group of Companies.
“I feel the word Indian is a part of my pride — it has helped me shape my identity, regardless of where I am. India’s richness lies in its culture, tradition, heritage, artistic expression and, above all, family values. We must ensure that these rich traditions are passed on to our youth, helping to preserve them for generations,” said Bharat Bhatia, CEO, Conares.
“Whenever the wheels of the plane touch the ground on Indian soil, I feel thrilled to be ‘home’. ‘Indianness’ is about showing a sense of unity, no matter how diverse we may be in our own ways of life, cultures, religions or cuisines. The pride of being Indian is manifested very well whenever my sons, Zain and Zoheb, get euphoric or shed tears of pain when India wins or loses in cricket matches,” said Dr Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk , Director of Mulk Healthcare and Managing Director, Global Hawk Imaging and Diagnostic Centres.
“Being an Indian has always been a matter of pride and glory for me. The history, the stories, the charm, the traditions, the values and strengths of our country have always been a source of inspiration to me. Living in Dubai allowed us to stay easily connected not just physically but emotionally with India. The city celebrates the Indians here; our achievements, our traditions, our clothes, our food, all the way to our sensational Bollywood industry,” said Alisha Moopen, Director, Corporate Strategies, Aster DM Healthcare.
