The Indian High Commission in Nairobi marked India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday with a flag-raising ceremony attended by more than 1,200 members of the Indian community and Friends of India.
At India House, High Commissioner Dr Adarsh Swaika unfurled the Indian flag as guests gathered for the annual celebration. The ceremony was followed by the national anthem.
Swaika later read excerpts from an address by India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, delivered on the eve of the celebrations.
India Sets Its Sights on 2047
Ms Murmu said India was working towards becoming a developed country by 2047, when it will mark 100 years of independence. She stressed that economic progress should reach all sections of society and pointed to growth in infrastructure, digital services and women-led development.
She also described India as an increasingly important voice for the Global South.
Swaika urged Indians living abroad to play a role in the country’s development plans. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from New Delhi, highlighting seven areas that India considers central to its development.
They include manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology, infrastructure, defence, the green and blue economies, and cultural influence.
India and Kenya Highlight Growing Ties
The High Commissioner also turned to Kenya, describing it as one of India’s key partners in Africa.
He pointed to growing trade and investment, high-level visits, institutional links and development cooperation as signs of closer relations between the two countries.
The Nairobi celebrations were also part of “Surya Path Tiranga”, a worldwide relay linked to India’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Indian diplomatic missions across different time zones joined the initiative as the national flag travelled from east to west.
This year’s event also highlighted the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”, India’s national song.
Community artists performed the song before guests joined in a mass rendition. An exhibition traced its history and place in India’s independence movement.
Culture Takes Centre Stage
The celebrations later took on a distinctly cultural character.
Performances by Kalakshetra Kenya, Nairobi Women’s Group, Dhoom Macha Le Group, Rangeela Group and Anushiva Group showcased different aspects of Indian culture. The Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple Band also performed.
Awards were presented to winners of four competitions designed to encourage interest in India’s history, culture and development. They included the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, My India Story Competition, India Through My Lens Photography Competition and Viksit Bharat@2047 Painting Competition.
The High Commission said the turnout demonstrated the close ties within Kenya’s Indian community and the friendship between India and Kenya.
The commemorations also included a solemn moment away from India House.
Swaika laid a wreath at Nairobi South Cemetery in honour of Indian soldiers who died during the First World War.
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