Indian Consulate in Chicago celebrates Republic Day

The Consulate General of India, Chicago celebrated the 72^nd Republic Day of India on Tuesday, 26 January 2021.  The official Flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Consulate premises.

Due to COVID-19, the Indian-American community and friends of India joined the event virtually.

The program was live streamed through the Consulate’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter handle, and has been viewed by about 2,000 people.

Consul General Amit Kumar unfurled the Indian National Flag, which was followed by singing of the National Anthem of India.

The Consul General read out the Address of the President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

In his remarks the Consul General also said that the Indian Government looked forward to strengthening India-US relations with the new Administration, building on the gains of the previous years.

He mentioned that the two countries enjoy wide-ranging cooperation encompassing every facet of human life.

Consul General Kumar acknowledged the “exemplary role” of the Indian American community during the COVID19 pandemic and in advancing India-US relations.

A cultural program was part of the celebrations and included a sitar recital on ‘Vaiṣhṇava jana to tene kahiye’ by eminent sitarist Paneesh Rao in Chicago; dance performances by Bidula Sinha and Colin Mascarenhas from the Utkalaa Centre for Odissi Dance, Chicago; patriotic songs by the children of Sadhana School of Indian Music, Chicago; and Rakesh Malhotra’s poem ‘Vandan’.