The 79th anniversary of India’s Independence Day was celebrated today, Friday, in Nairobi with cultural performances.
This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony to honour the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers at the War Memorial Cemetery.
During the ceremony that was held at the India House in Nairobi, Acting High Commissioner to India Shri Sushil Prasad said India-Kenya relations go way back with historical ties that have seen the two cooperating closely in regional and multilateral forums.
“Our developmental journey in Kenya has further seen the growth of India and the transformation that is not limited to just economic growth but includes people’s empowerment,” he said.
He added that every year the two countries’ cordial relationship is strengthened with participation like today’s event, noting that the cultures of India and Kenya have been incorporated very well into the society.
The Ag. Commissioner noted that the use of technology and the inclusive and sustainable development model has created capabilities and generated demands that offer great opportunities for partnerships within the two countries.
“We have made remarkable progress in almost all important fields, including emerging technologies, science and technology, research and development, healthcare, education, infrastructure development, defence, and agriculture,” he said.
Commissioner Shushil explained that India today is the world’s fastest-growing large economy and a significant geopolitical player, becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy and recognising the strong contribution of the diaspora members that has strengthened people-to-people connections between the two countries, and this will be able to create opportunities for other countries.
Apart from spreading the Indian culture by celebrating a host of Indian festivals like Holi, Diwali, food festivals, and Indian dance and music events and remaining engaged with the local and federal government, the Commissioner said organising International Day of Yoga events every year across Kenya has been possible because of the partnership between the two countries.
“I want to thank each and every one for their valuable contribution to the success story as well as for strengthening this unique India-Kenya partnership,” Commissioner Shushil said.
In the future, he noted that they will be working together for the benefits of the people and strengthening the government-to-government,
This celebration is also for us to remember the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters, salute them, and take the resolve that we have to take our country to new heights in the case of Kenya and also India,” he noted.
The Commissioner said with India’s economy continuing to demonstrate impressive resilience and the growth projected to be a world economy by 2047, businesses from Kenya, the government and the people will benefit from its growth journey.
By Wangari Ndirangu
