Diaspora joins R-Day celebrations around the world

Unfurling of the national tricolour, cultural programmes and festivities marked the 60th Republic Day celebrations by the Indian community all over the world with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.

Celebration in Pakistan

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad celebrated the Republic Day, with High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal hoisting the tricolour at an official function.

Sabharwal read out President Pratibha Patil's address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day and children of the high commission's staff performed patriotic songs.

The function was held at the High Commission within the high-security diplomatic enclave in the heart of Islamabad.

Celebration in Nepal

In neighbouring Nepal, Ambassador Rakesh Sood hoisted the national flag at the Indian Embassy ground at Lainchaur in Kathmandu amidst hundreds of participants, including diplomats, Indian nationals, journalists and students.

Sood, who read out the message delivered by President Patil, also donated 21 ambulances and six buses on behalf of Indian government to various agencies including hospitals.

Celebration in Russia

In Moscow, braving the unusual freezing temperatures, hundreds of Indians with families gathered in the embassy compound for the flag hoisting ceremony.

Similar gatherings also took place at the Indian consulates in St Petersburg and Vladivostok.

Celebration in Bangladesh

Nearly 500 Indian nationals joined the Republic Day function in Dhaka at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner Rajeet Mitter.

A band of Indian Air Force played patriotic songs while Mitter hoisted the tricolour.

"On behalf of the people of Bangladesh and myself, I extend my heartiest greetings to you and to the people of India on the occasion of the Republic Day of India," President Zillur Rehman, said in his message to his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil.

"I look forward to further strengthening the existing cordial ties of friendship, understanding and cooperation between our two countries in the years ahead," Hasina said he recalling her visit to India.

Celebration in Israel

In Israel, around 400 Indians turned up for the Republic Day celebrations in Jerusalem braving inclement weather.

Indian Ambassador to Israel Navtej Sarna, read out President Pratibha Patil's address to the nation.

Indian mission in Israel also organised a 'Guru Dutt retrospective' on the 60th Republic Day, close on the heels of a highly successful Indian Film Festival for which Bollywood stars, Amol Palekar and Anupam Kher, also visited the country.