The Embassy of India organized a celebration of the 60 th Independence Day of India at the residence of H.E. Mr. Deepak Bhojwani, Ambassador of India in Caracas . The Indian community attended the ceremony which included the hoisting of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem, as well as words by the Ambassador on the occasion in the morning at the residence in the Country Club. The Ambassador touched upon the speech delivered by H.E. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the President of India, the day before, and also the issue of national identity, which embraces not only Indian citizens abroad, but also Persons of Indian Origin (PIO). To this end, the Ambassador commented that the recently launched scheme of the Government of India to grant dual nationality to all Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), which involves a universal or lifetime visa rendering its holders the same benefits and privileges as all Indian citizens except the right to vote, to be elected to high office, etc. The Ambassador also touched upon forthcoming programmes to be organized by the Embassy of India including the Film Festival and the Festival of India at the Hotel Mariott in Caracas . The gathering was then invited to partake of Indian refreshments. * * * |
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