RIYADH — The 71st Republic Day of India was celebrated on Sunday with great fervor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In Riyadh, the National Flag was unfurled by Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed at the Embassy of India premises followed by rendition of the National Anthem. Ambassador read out the President’s Message to a gathering of over 600 members of the Indian community and friends of India. The event also featured patriotic song and dance performance by students of the International Indian Schools in Riyadh.

A formal National Reception was hosted at the Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh in the evening. Governor of Riyadh Province Prince Faisal Bin Bandar was the Chief Guest, which was widely attended by Saudi dignitaries, Saudi businessmen, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Indian Diaspora.

During his welcome address, the Ambassador highlighted that India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship has evolved progressively into a multi-faceted and mutually-beneficial strategic partnership. He said that the signing of the agreement to form the ‘Strategic Partnership Council’ between the two countries during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the Kingdom in October 2019 marks a new era in the bilateral relations.

The Chief Guest Prince Faisal released a special publication on India-Saudi bilateral relations on the occasion. The event concluded with the customary cake cutting ceremony and a dazzling Bhangra performance by a visiting Indian troupe.

A kaleidoscope of cultural exhibits were displayed on the occasion which included finger painting or ‘Dexterism’ by an accomplished Indian artist Viniv, oil panting showcasing Saudi heritage sites by a versatile local Indian painter Ms. Sabiha Majeed, paintings by India's Defense Attaché Col. Maneesh Nagpal and photo-exhibition featuring Indian Architectural Heritage by renowned news photographer K N. Wasif.

In addition an exquisite exhibition of Indian silk saris from Kanchivaram, Mysore, Banaras and Keecha was held along with a photo-exhibition depicting the exquisite beauty of the seven states of the North Eastern Part of India. — SG