CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA
SHANGHAI

CELEBRATION OF 78^th INDEPENDENCE DAY

PRESS RELEASE

The Consulate General of India in Shanghai celebrated the 78^th Independence Day of India with great zeal, enthusiasm and patriotic fervour on 15^th August, 2024. The celebration witnessed an overwhelming participation of India Diaspora in Eastern China Region, Indian students studying in Chinese Universities and friends of India in China.

Celebrations started with paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Consul General Dr. N. Nandakumar and other officials of the Consulate paid floral tribute to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi located at the Chancery.

To mark the occasion, a flag hoisting ceremony was organised at the Chancery plot located at Wanshan Road. Dr. N. Nandakumar, Consul General of India unfurled the National Flag. The National Anthem was then sung in unison by the all the participants. After the National Anthem, the Consul General read out the address of Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India, delivered to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day. In her address, Hon’ble President referred to the celebration the 75th year of the Constitution and called on the citizens to remain firm on the Constitutional ideals of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity to enable India to reclaim its rightful position on the global stage. She also mentioned that the recently held General Elections was the largest electoral exercise humankind has ever witnessed. She stated that the smooth and flawless conduct of such a gigantic event was a resounding vote for the idea of democracy. She also highlighted the adoption of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from July this year which was a new code oriented towards ensuring justice for the victims of crime instead of focusing on punishment alone. She also urged all Indians to make small but effective changes in their lifestyles and contribute to the cause of dealing with the challenge of climate change to save the planet from the worst effects of global warming. She also extended her warm Independence Day wishes to members of Indian diaspora living in every part of the world.

On the occasion, members of Indian community presented colourful cultural performances. The performances included melodious Piano performances by Ms. Shruti Shreyansi Sahoo (National Anthem & I love my India) and Mst. N. Naghul Srinivas (Vande Mataram), group dance performance by students of Zhejiang University (Desh Mere) and Xuzhou University (mashup of Hum India wale & Jai Ho) and group song performance by students of Yangzhou University (Ae Watan mere Aabad). There was also solo Manipuri dance (Guruvandana) performance by Zerin Moirangtham, an Indian student studying in Shanghai. Ms. Lulu Wang, a trained Kuchipudi dancer and Ms. Yuhong Wang, a trained Bharatnatyam dancer performed a Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam piece together.

The 78^th Independence Day Celebrations in Shanghai was a memorable occasion and will be cherished by all participants.

Shanghai
15^th August, 2024.