79th Independence Day celebration of India commemorated in Accra
The 79th Independence Day celebration of India has been held in Accra with a flag-raising ceremony, accompanied by the singing of the Indian national anthem at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner in Ghana, Manish Gupta.
Hundreds of members of the Indian community in the country attended the event, which was marked with much enthusiasm and patriotism, last Friday.
The event, which was on the theme: “Naya Bharat - New India,” provided an opportunity for the Indian community to come together and celebrate their shared heritage and culture.
It also featured the display of Indian culture through songs and dance performed by young Indian nationals who were at the function with their parents.
Development
Mr Gupta eulogised the evolution of India over the decades, describing it as a testament to the impressive socio-economic development.
The Indian community at the commemoration at the event in Accra
“Since independence, our journey has been a testament to impressive socio-economic development. Today, India stands as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and the fourth largest globally,” he said.
The ambassador added that the theme also encapsulated the shared vision of a prosperous and secure nation by 2047.
He said that the celebration also served as a moment to honour the vision of the country’s founding fathers and remember the great sacrifices they had made.
“India’s struggle for independence under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership serves as a powerful inspiration for freedom movements across Asia and Africa.
“Ghana’s journey to independence marked a turning point as it became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to attain freedom, lighting the way for others,” the ambassador added.
He urged the Indian community to unite in their efforts to advance the country’s glorious narrative and to also realise its vision of becoming a developed nation by the centenary of its independence.
Relationship
The ambassador further said that “Prime Minister Modi's historic state visit to Ghana last month had further strengthened our partnership in West Africa and the Global South, deepening ties that predate Ghana's independence”.
He also said that the visit marked an important milestone, being the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, thus “opening a new chapter in our warm and friendly relationship”.
Mr Gupta also said that the visit elevated the bilateral ties between the two states to the status of a Comprehensive Partnership, the first of its kind in West Africa.
Potential
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in a statement delivered on her behalf by the High Commissioner, said India was moving ahead at a faster pace towards realising its true potential.
She said that the country’s reforms and policies had created an effective platform, which was a semblance of a bright future where every Indian could contribute to the prosperity and happiness of all.
The President touted the economic achievement of India and said the country had made strides in self-reliance amid stress in the global economy.
With a GDP growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the last fiscal, India is the fastest-growing economy in the world.
“Inflation has remained under control, with exports rising; all key indicators show the economy in the pink of health.
This is as much due to carefully calibrated reforms and sagacious economic management as due to the hard work and dedication of our workers and farmers,” she added.
