Independence Day of India 2023
The Embassy of India, Astana hosted a grand event in celebration of the 77th Independence Day of India on 15 August 2023 at the premises of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC).
The celebrations began with the flag hoisting by Mr. Digvijay Sanjay Patil, Charge d’Affaires followed by the recitation of the Indian National Anthem and reading out of the Address of the Hon’ble President of India to the Nation.
Continuing the AKAM celebrations marking India@75, the Embassy of India launched the online AKAM Quiz on 1 August 2023. Winners of this competition, namely, Ms. Aigerim Asemkhanova (first), Ms. Aidana Abdikerim (second), Mr. Sagidola Sakenov (third) and Ms. Dinara Tilimissova, Ms. Anna Evdokimova, and Ms. Gauhar Nurseit, Ms. Nirzabayeva Zhamila and Ms. Sandugash Amnova were awarded the cash and Consolation prizes by the Charge d’Affaires. As part of the AKAM celebrations, the Embassy also promoted the Har Ghar Tiranga, Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar and Meri Maati Mera Desh campaigns by organizing an event on the eve of Independence Day, which was attended by Embassy officials and members of Indian community in Astana.
The people of Kazakhstan have an immense interest in Indian culture, especially, in the various forms of Indian dance and music. In the recent past, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the cultural wing of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India held an International Dance and Music Competition “Pratibha Sangam” among non-Indian artistes across the globe. Three nationals of Kazakhstan, namely, Ms. Saniya Bazheneyeva (Kathak, an Indian classical dance), Ms Zhulduz Issatayeva (Kathak) and Mr. Timur Shayakhmetov (Tabla – a Hindustani musical instrument) were the winners of this global competition and were felicitated on this occasion by the Charge d’Affaires.
People from all walks of life participated in the freedom struggle of India. “Vande Bharat” – a dance and music presentation on the theme “salutations to the heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedom and pride of the motherland” was the highlight of the Independence Day Celebration. “Vande Bharat” featured various forms of Indian dance and music, including a glimpse of Kazakh folk dance, was conceptualized by Mr. Sanjay Vedi, Director, SVCC and choreographed by Ms. Vidyagauri Hemant Adkar, Dance Teacher and Performer of SVCC. Kazakh artistes
performed both Indian and Kazakh dance with equal professionalism and mesmerized the audience with their energetic and colourful presentation on the stage. The stage presentation ended with the felicitation of artistes by the Charge d’Affaires. More than 200 Indians and Kazakh people attended the event.
Indian cuisine is very popular among Kazakh people. On the occasion, Indian Embassy in collaboration with an Indian restaurant - ‘India Gate’ - launched a Millet Food Festival. The food festival got off to a wonderful start as the Indian restaurant displayed its culinary skill through innovative millet dishes. The year 2023 was declared as the year of International Year of Millets by the United Nations for which India spearheaded the campaign under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Millets (Sorghum – Jowar, pearl millet - Bajra, finger Millet - Ragi) being gluten- free and low glycaemic index have immense nutritional and health benefits, including lowering the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A similar function of Flag Hoisting marking the 77th Independence Day of India was organized at the ROI Almaty in which about 100 members of Indian community participated.
