Indian Consulate in Chicago celebrates Republic Day

January 28, 2021

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India’s Consul General in Chicago Amit Kumar reading the President’s address at the 72nd Republic Day of India celebrations held Jan. 26, 2021. Photo: Indian Consulate in Chicago

The Consulate General of India, Chicago celebrated the 72^nd Republic Day of India on Tuesday, 26 January 2021. The official Flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Consulate premises.

Due to COVID-19, the Indian-American community and friends of India joined the event virtually.

Patriotic songs by children of Sadhana School of Indian Music in Chicago at the Jan. 26, 2021 celebration of India’s 72nd Republic Day of India hosted by the Indian Consulate. Photo: Indian Consulate

The program was live streamed through the Consulate’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter handle, and has been viewed by about 2,000 people.

Sitar recital by Paneesh Rao at the Jan. 26, 2021 celebration of India’s 72nd Republic Day hosted by the Indian Consulate in Chicago. Photo: Indian Consulate

Consul General Amit Kumar unfurled the Indian National Flag, which was followed by singing of the National Anthem of India.

The Consul General read out the Address of the President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

Dance performance by Colin Mascarenhas of Utkalaa Centre for Odissi Dance in Chicago, performing at the Jan. 26, 2021, celebration of India’s 72nd Republic Day of India, hosted by the Indian Consulate. Photo: Indian Consulate

In his remarks the Consul General also said that the Indian Government looked forward to strengthening India-US relations with the new Administration, building on the gains of the previous years.

He mentioned that the two countries enjoy wide-ranging cooperation encompassing every facet of human life.

Consul General Kumar acknowledged the “exemplary role” of the Indian American community during the COVID19 pandemic and in advancing India-US relations.

Rakesh Malhotra recited the Hindi Poem ‘Vandan’ at the Jan. 26, 2021 celebration of India’s Republic Day, hosted by the Indian Consulate in Chicago. Photo: Indian Consulate

A cultural program was part of the celebrations and included a sitar recital on ‘Vaiṣhṇava jana to tene kahiye’ by eminent sitarist Paneesh Rao in Chicago; dance performances by Bidula Sinha and Colin Mascarenhas from the Utkalaa Centre for Odissi Dance, Chicago; patriotic songs by the children of Sadhana School of Indian Music, Chicago; and Rakesh Malhotra’s poem ‘Vandan’.