This year which marks its 70th Republic Day of India, India will mark also the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi on Oct. 2 as well as the 70th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on Nov. 26.

For Indians, its Republic Day is an occasion to celebrate India and the spirit of being Indian while commemorating the values of our democracy and Republic, reaffirming our commitment to liberty, fraternity and equality across our society and among all our citizens, said recent-accredited India Madame Amb. Sripriya Ranganathan.

Extending a warm welcome to all the guests, Ambassador Ms. Sripriya Ranganathan, spoke about the importance of this year’s republic day celebration as it marks the 70th year of India’s Republic Day as well as deepening and strengthening of the friendship between India and Republic of Korea, according to the Embassy of India.

To depict such deepened and strengthened friendship, she mentioned increased number of visits at the highest level including the visit of Hon’ble Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in, First Lady Kim Jeong-sook to India and Indian Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Chief Minister of Delhi, and many others from India have visited Korea. She expressed hope about travel by more Koreans to India especially after extension of Visa on arrival facility by India to Korean nationals. The envoy also highlighted that she would like to congratulate ever-growing fraternity relations between Korea & India and more ever-activating commerce & investment cooperation between the two nations in a diplomatic reception.

Touching upon last year’s President Moon’s State Visit to India from Korean government & First Lady Kim’s official visit to India on July & Nov. respectively, Ranganathan allowed to be expected regarding her role to activiate brisk high-level visits between the two countries during her duty as top India envoy to the Republic of Korea.

Prior to its official diplomatic reception for Diplomatic Mission in Seoul, the Embassy of India hosted its separate India Republic Day commemorating event for Indian community amounting to 30,000 peoples in Korea at the Indian Cultural Center last Sat. morning (Jan. 26) which is its original India Republic Day.

Since her accreditation last year, Amb. Sripriya Ranganathan has been garnering big expectations as India’s top envoy both from Indian government and from local Indian community in Korea by unfolding brisk diplomatic activities such as the participation of Korea-India Sarang Festival at Ewha University last year, “Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2019” in which she highlighted the contribution of Indians in shaping up the bilateral relations with ROK and also in projecting a good brand India image on Jan. 9th this year, to name just a few.

Before heading to India, President Moon highlighted the importance of cooperation between Korea and India as a leading partner in Seoul’s New Southern Policy on July 9, expressing his commitment to expand cooperation with all South Asian countries, according to the Blue House.

As a guest honor from the Korean government, Vice Minister Cho Hyun from MOFAT was on hand including Commissinor General Cho Hyun-ba from Korea Coast Guard & India Honoral Consul Jeong Deok-min from Busan who wished more flourishing relations between the two countries, in addition to Mayor Heo Sung-gon from Kimhae City. In his congratulatory remarks Vice Foreign Minister Ambassador Cho Hyun noted that India is a world’s largest democracy and fastest growing economy in the world. He mentioned progress which we made on both political and economic front. But apart from that, even people to people contact has also increased between both nations.

The formal ceremony concluded with a Toast by Honorary Consul General of India in Busan. A cultural show on the theme classical dance of India followed which enthralled the guest.
Earlier on 26th January, 2019, Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan unfurled the national flag at the Embassy premises. During the celebrations that followed at Chancery and Korean Methodist Women’s society building near Indian Embassy, Ambassador read out the Hon’ble Indian President address to the nation.

India Ambassador administered Special voters pledge to all Indian Community Members on occasion of 9th National voters Day which fell on 25th January. It was followed by dance performances by Swami Vivekananda Culture Centre Students and few Indian community members. A total of about 300 guests including members of the Indian community attended the function, according to the Embassy of India.

<India Republic Day 70th Anniversary photo sketch>

(Courtesy: Embassy of India)