India’s 77th Republic Day was celebrated at India House on Princes Rd in Suva yesterday, with members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India gathered to mark the historic occasion.
India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta said Republic Day holds deep significance for Indians everywhere.
“Republic Day is really a significant occasion for all the Indians, whether they are in India or they are abroad,” Mr Mehta said.
He noted that people of Indian origin in Fiji also observed the day with great respect, recognising its historical and constitutional importance.
“This is the day, January 26 in 1950, when the Indian Constitution came into force.
“So we are celebrating today’s (yesterday) 77th Republic Day with all the members of the Indian diaspora, our friends of India here at the India House.”
Mr Mehta said the occasion was particularly special for him as high commissioner, as it provided an opportunity to bring together the Indian community and well-wishers of India in Fiji.
“As the High Commissioner of India in Fiji, it’s really a special occasion for me to be able to welcome all the Indians and friends of India here.”
He highlighted the importance of the Indian Constitution, describing it as the foundation of the nation’s values and identity.
“This was the day when the Indian Constitution was enacted and came into force. This is the document which gives us pride, which gives dignity to each Indian, both in India as well as abroad, and which is the founding document ensuring liberty, justice and sovereignty, secularism in India — all those principles which we hold very dear to our hearts.”
Extending his greetings beyond Fiji, Mr Mehta also acknowledged countries under the Indian High Commission’s jurisdiction.
“So I wish all the Indians, of Indian origin here in Fiji and beyond, including in other countries which are handled by us — Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu a very, very happy Republic Day.”
