By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Jan. 26: Embassy of India in Kathmandu marked the 71^st Republic Day of India on Sunday.  

The Embassy organised various programmes on its premises throughout the day.

The celebrations began in the morning with hoisting of India’s flag by Charge d’ Affaires Dr. Ajay Kumar who then read out the message of the President of India.

Dr. Kumar felicitated one Veer Nari, eight widows and five other kin of deceased soldiers by disbursing their dues worth Rs. 59.7 million and a blanket to each.

On the occasion, the Embassy gifted books to 51 libraries and educational institutions spread across the country.

The Embassy also gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations and educational institutions of Nepal.

According to a statement issued by the Embassy, the Indian Government has gifted altogether 782 ambulances and 154 buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations and educational institutions of 77 districts in Nepal.

The celebrations were attended by members of the Indian community in Nepal and friends of India apart from Embassy officials and their families, the Embassy said.

The celebrations witnessed rendition of patriotic songs by students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Kathmandu, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Modern Indian School. The ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing performance by the Nepal Army Band.

Later in the day, Dr. Kumar hosted a reception attended by Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, along with other federal ministers and top Nepali leaders from various political parties.

“The event has been attended by more than 1500 dignitaries, including senior political leaders and public personalities,” read the statement.