The 73rd Republic Day of India was celebrated with enthusiasm and joy in Indian diplomatic missions and schools around the Kingdom on Wednesday. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh celebrated 73rd Republic Day of India on Wednesday with great fervor. The celebration began in the morning with the flag hoisting ceremony, held in the Embassy. Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed unfurled the tricolor. Dr. Sayeed extended greetings and felicitations to all the attendees and shared his remarks highlighting the growing ties of India and Saudi Arabia. The flag hoisting ceremonies were followed by the singing of the national anthem and reading of the President Ram Nath Kovind address to the nation. Excerpts from the speech were read out to members of the Indian community, friends of India and officials of the mission, both in Riyadh and Jeddah. After the Ambassador read out the message of the Indian President Ramnath Kovind on the occasion. This was followed by cultural performances given by the students of Indian schools in Riyadh. The event was attended by members of Indian community based in the Kingdom. In the evening a formal gala reception was arranged by the embassy in the cultural palace in Diplomatic Quarters, which was attended by Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal Bin Abdelaziz Bin Ayyaf Al-Muqrin. The celebration witnessed attendance of members of the diplomatic comma city and Saudi dignitaries along with the Indian Diaspora. The event hall showcased a painting exhibition, on the theme of Indo-Saudi relations, put up by eminent Indian and Saudi artists. Additionally the space was decorated with numerous stalls representing Indian handicrafts, textiles, food, and commercial entities. The celebration holds greater significance for Indians across the world as India is celebrating 75th year of Independence, under the umbrella of Azadi ka Amrit Mahostav. The celebrations also coincides with 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Saudi Arabia. At the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held in the morning at the premises of the Indian Consulate in the presence of about 250 members of Indian community. Consul General Mohd. Shahid Alam unfurled the Indian flag. It was followed by the singing of Indian National Anthem led by the Indian students of DPS Jeddah and joined by everyone attending the event. On the occasion of Republic Day, Consul General warmly greeted and congratulated the Indians living in Saudi Arabia, and read out the President’s message. In his address, Consul General highlighted the major initiatives of the Indian Consulate, including innovative use of IT-resources, effectively improving the delivery of services to the Indian community and easing access to the Consulate. The flag hoisting ceremony also featured rendition of patriotic songs by Indian school students as well as display of patriotic exhibits made by talented students. The event was also streamed live through the Consulate’s Youtube channel. In the evening, Consul General Mohd. Shahid Alam hosted a Reception at Park Hyatt Hotel, Jeddah. Ambassador Mazen Bin Hamad Al Himali, director general, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Mukarramah Region, Jeddah was the Chief Guest on the program. The reception was also attended by senior Saudi officials, Consuls General and Diplomats of several countries, prominent Saudis and members of Indian community. In his address, Consul General touched upon the special Strategic Partnership between India and the Kingdom as well as the extraordinary warmth in the relationship between the leaders of the two countries specially in recent years. He conveyed thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for their contributions in strengthening India-Saudi Arabia relationship. He also thanked them and the government of Saudi Arabia for extending a warm hospitality to the Indians living in the Kingdom and supporting the efforts Indian Consulate in ensuring the well-being of the Indians in the Kingdom. The reception also featured Indian cultural performances by talented artists based in Jeddah and an exhibition of beautiful paintings depicting Indo-Saudi bilateral relations.