Consulate General of India
Durban
15th August, 2024
Press Release
The 78th Independence Day of India was celebrated in Durban, South Africa with a flag-hoisting ceremony on 15 August, 2024 at India House. The ceremony was attended by a number of Indians, Diaspora members, students and friends of India.
2. Consul General of India, Durban H.E. Dr. Thelma John David unfurled the tricolour at India House, which was followed by singing of the National Anthem. The Address by the Hon'ble Rashtrapatiji on the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day was played during the ceremony.
3. In her remarks, Consul General noted that this year’s celebrations mark another milestone in India’s journey. Consul General recalled significant events of last 2 years including Ministerial meetings in Durban culminating with Hon’ble Prime Ministers’ visit to South Africa for BRICS last year, first ever International Conference on “Yoga for Self & Society” organized in collaboration with University of Kwazulu-Natal, visit of CIKS delegation to India to explore millets etc.,
4. Consul General also acknowledged the presence of Professor Mohan Narendra Agarwal, India’s leading sugar expert, who had recently delivered key note address at 96th Congress of the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association at Durban, South Africa.
5. Consul General mentioned that about 1.7 million strong Indian Diaspora is one of the key pillar of the India-South Africa relationship and winning 15 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards so far is a testament to this fact. Their talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation, contribute to the prosperity of both India and the South Africa and serve to strengthen the relations between the two countries.
6. Consul General inaugurated Bharat Week celebrations with launch of Bharat/India corners being set up at various institutions with an objective to promote deeper understanding of India. In this regard, various exhibitions including Textiles/Quilts, One District One Product, Millets, Jewellery were organized at Bharat Bhavan (India House). Consul General mentioned about the Hindi and Yoga classes being run at cultural centre and encouraged young diaspora members to join for Dance classes that are starting in September, 2024.
7. A cultural program involving rendition of patriotic songs depicting India’s diversity was presented on this occasion by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholars and young diaspora members. Winners of the Pratibha Sangam Competition and various other cultural competitions organized by ICCR and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre were felicitated during the celebrations.
****
