63rd Republic Day Celebrations – 26 January 2012
The Embassy of India, Paris celebrated the 63rd Republic Day with great pride and enthusiasm, on Thursday, 26th January 2012. The Indian flag was hoisted at the Embassy of India by Kumari Selja, Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. Thereafter, Shri Rakesh Sood, Ambassador of India to France read Hon’ble President’s speech in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister, who was visiting Paris for inaugurating the Tagore Exhibition, at the prestigious Petit Palais Museum, the same evening.
The flag hoisting was followed by the singing of the national anthem by the Embassy choir joined by members of the Indian community both young and old which also included a number of French friends of India. Extending warm greetings to the gathering, Ambassador Sood read excerpts from the Hon'ble President's speech beginning with "special greetings to the Armed and the Para-military forces that guard our frontiers, and our internal security forces" and ending with the Hon'ble President's call to the citizens of India to build a strong, prosperous nation, based upon a firm system of values.
Around 300 guests attend the ceremony at the Embassy. The attendees were from diverse sections of the Indian community in Paris including groups of students and young professionals.
Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja unfurling the tricolor on Republic Day at the Indian Embassy in Paris.
Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja & Ambassador Rakesh Sood listening to the rendition of the Patriotic songs by the Indian Embassy choir.
Shri Rakesh Sood, Ambassdor of India to Paris reading out Hon’ble President’s speech on 26th January 2012in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja.
Members of the Indian Community attending the Republic Day flag hoisting Ceremony.