Indian Embassy in Riyadh to hold Independence Day ceremony

On the occasion of the Independence Day of India, a colorful flag hoisting ceremony will take place today at the Indian Embassy premises (Diplomatic Quarters) in Riyadh. The flag hoisting will be followed by the reading of the message of Indian president by Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao, who will also greet his compatriots on this occasion and interact with them during the function.
“All Indian nationals including persons of Indian origin and friends of India are cordially invited to attend the function,” said Surinder Bhagat, a spokesman of the Indian embassy, here yesterday.
The customary open house reception after the ceremony is not being held this year in view of the holy month of Ramadan, said Bhagat. He pointed out that Ambassador Rao will hoist the national flag at 8:30 am at the embassy premises. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah will also organize national day celebrations that will begin at 9 am. The flag in Jeddah will be hoisted by the consul general and he will read out the Indian president’s message there.
The event is expected to be attended by about 1,000 people in Riyadh. A number of Indian diplomats, heads of the Indian public sector organizations operating in Saudi Arabia, prominent businessmen and a large number of Indian workers will participate in the independence day celebrations in Riyadh and Jeddah.