India Republic Day 2023
"No culture can live if it tries to be exclusive." (Mahatma Gandhi)
On 26 January 2023, Bucharest hosted the ceremonies to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the Republic Day of India, an event organised in two festive sequences. The first, of an official and solemn nature, took place at the Embassy of India, where His Excellency Rahul Shrivastava, Ambassador of India to Bucharest, raised the national flag of India, marking the beginning of the ceremonies. This was followed by the singing of the Indian national anthem and the reading of the message delivered by the President of India.
In his speech, His Excellency Ambassador Rahul Shrivastava highlighted the importance of this day for the Indian people and underlined the close ties between India and Romania. He also conveyed greetings to Indians in Romania, Moldova and Albania and to all those who support and admire India in these countries.
The second leg of the Republic of India Day celebrations took place at the JW Mariott Grand Hotel Bucharest, where the Embassy of India hosted a lavish reception. The event was attended by many distinguished guests, including representatives from the diplomatic community, senior government officials, prestigious academics, business leaders, members of the Indian diaspora and close friends of India. Guests from the National Association for the Promotion of Non-Conventional Medicines in Romania - AMN-Romania were among those present, highlighting the cooperation between the two countries.
The reception was marked by a vibrant atmosphere where Indian culture, gastronomy and traditions were highlighted. Guests were treated to authentic Indian food and cultural performances including traditional dances and music, providing an authentic experience of the beauty and cultural diversity of India.
The event highlighted not only the friendship and close relations between India and Romania, but also the importance of intercultural dialogue and openness to cultural diversity, as Mahatma Gandhi's wisdom reminds us.