I have noticed that expatriate Indians miss all the pomp and grandeur with which the Republic Day is celebrated in India as the functions held in a foreign land are limited to flag hoisting and a few speeches delivered to highlight the occasion.
Perhaps that was the reason that this year The Indian High School, Dubai, organised a series of programmes spread over two days to celebrate this special day.
The celebration began with a patriotic choir competition. About 20 Indian schools from various emirates had sent their best singers who sang many patriotic songs. I felt that the competition was just a way to bring all of them together. The main motive was to instil a sense of patriotism in the participants as well as the audience.
On the Republic Day, as always, a spectacular show was held. Over 2,000 students of The Indian High School, Dubai, participated and drew a beautiful pageant. They depicted the progress made by India since its independence. It was surprising to watch tiny tots performing with the great feeling of nationalism. The event had attracted thousands of Indians, who watched the performances with great pride.
But I was completely bowled over by the carnival that was held in the evening on the Republic Day to bring Indians from all walks of life together. It was indeed a reflection of the diversity of India.
The traditional dances of different Indian states were showcased by students of various dance institutes based in the UAE. Similarly, there were stalls selling traditional items and food from various states. Some stalls sold the spicy food of Maharashtra while many displayed the clothes of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The carnival depicted the most important value of our country, Unity in Diversity, the quality that differentiates our country from other countries.
(Published in The Gulf Today on January 30, 2016)
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