Indian Community marks Republic Day

The Indian community in Rwanda, under their umbrella association, the Indian Association of Rwanda (INAR), yesterday celebrated the 63rd Republic Day of their country.

Friday, January 27, 2012
Chairman of the Indian Community in Rwanda Dinesh Kalyani delivers a speech to mark Indiau2019s National day yesterday. The New Times/J. Mbanda.

The Indian community in Rwanda, under their umbrella association, the Indian Association of Rwanda (INAR), yesterday celebrated the 63rd Republic Day of their country.

The day that also involved a flag hoisting function at UTEXRWA grounds, marks 63 years since the establishment of the Indian constitution.

At the function, the Chairman of INAR, Dinesh Kalyan, hoisted the national tricolour flag and read a message to the nation by the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh and addressed the gathering of Indian nationals.

Kalyan said that the day is a significant event that makes them recall the memories of millions of Indians who stood united laying the foundation for the growth and development of their country.

"The freedom that we enjoy today is the restless effort of millions of men and women who stood strong for the general cause, making India free from foreign domination,” he added.

The Indian constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, when the country became a Republic.

Kalyan further said that India and Rwanda enjoy a very cordial bilateral relationship.

"Business interest is developing between both countries; of course the credit goes to Rwanda’s hard working and committed leadership led by President Paul Kagame,” he asserted.

He called upon the Indian community to always try to become a role model for other foreign communities living in Rwanda and elsewhere.

During the function, Mukesh Sahu, the Regional Manager of Satguru Travel and Tour Services, was awarded with a certificate of appreciation  from INAR  for successfully running the Indian Consulate Services offices in Rwanda for one and half years. The consular offices recently unveiled new premises.

"It is my honour to receive such an appreciation from INAR; it was the least my office and I could do for my community and Rwandans looking for India consular services in Rwanda,” Sahu told The New Times.

"We have shifted the office due to some business expansion plans and space problems, but my duties remain the same; to assist all Indians and Rwandans in all related services”.

frank.kanyesigye@newtimes.co.rw