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Enthused by the impending arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the UAE on Sunday, hundreds of people gathered at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the 69th Independence Day on Saturday.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE, T.P. Seetharam, unfurled the flag and read out the speech given by the President Pranab Mukherjee on the eve of Independence Day.
Seetharam said the Indian economy promises much hope for the future and new chapters of the ‘India Story’ are waiting to be written.
“Economic reforms are a work-in-progress. Our performance over the last decade has been commendable; and it is most heartening that after a dip, we have recovered to 7.3% growth in 2014-15,” he said reading out the President’s speech.
“But the benefits of growth must reach the poorest of the poor much before they land in the bank accounts of the richest of the rich.”
He said peace, friendship and cooperation bind nations and people together.
“Recognising the shared destiny of the Indian sub-continent, we must strengthen connectivity, expand institutional capacity and enhance mutual trust to further regional cooperation.”
Later speaking to Gulf News, Seetharam said he was delighted the Indian Prime Minister’s visit was taking place just after Independence Day.
“The fact that the visit is taking place tomorrow (Sunday) has infused a lot of energy into our celebrations. I saw more faces than I have ever seen before. Enthusiasm is really high.”
A number of people came to the embassy wearing colourful clothes symbolising Indian tradition and culture. Slogans of Jai Hind filled the air. Students from different schools presented cultural programmes marking the celebrations.
Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty, President of UAE Exchange, said it was good to see so many people attending the event.
“It is a great feeling for us. The Prime Minister of India is visiting the country after 34 years. We are delighted to be part of the celebrations. The contribution of Indian expatriates to the development of the country is huge. Remittances from the UAE stand around $14 billion annually.”
M Sarvotham Shetty, a businessman from Abu Dhabi said he never missed the Independence Day event in Abu Dhabi.
“It is a special day for me. I make sure that I am in Abu Dhabi on Independence Day. This is going on since 36 years.”
“I am proud to be an Indian. UAE is the best country to live. The ties are strong. We are fortunate to live here.”
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