Embassy of India celebrated the 69th Republic Day with fervour by hosting a reception at the Floating Island Convention, Sevit Island, Seoul on January 26, 2018. More than 400 guests including Senior dignitaries from the Government of Republic of Korea, Members of the National Assembly, Provincial leadership, Senior Executives from Korean Businesses, Academia and Diplomatic Corps participated. His Excellency Ambassador Cho Hyun, Vice Foreign Minister of Republic of Korea was the Chief Guest and General Vincent K. Brooks, Commander of United Nations Command/United States Forces Korea was the Guest of Honour.
Extending a warm welcome to all the guests, Ambassador Doraiswami spoke about the importance of this year’s republic day celebration as it marks the 70th year of India’s Independence as well as the 25th anniversary of India-ASEAN dialogue partnership. He highlighted the progress made in the Special Strategic Partnership between India and South Korea over the past three years, which was visible from the visits at the highest level including the visit of Prime Minister. Ambassador said that the two democracies with a shared stake in peace, progress and a rules-based international order, there is every reason to work together to achieve the goal of peace, security and sustainable economic development. He also highlighted the progress in trade and investments front in varied sectors, ranging from electronics to food processing.
In his remarks Vice Foreign Minister Ambassador Cho Hyun noted that India is a unique civilization with great diversity as its strength while Korea's homogeneity is its strength. In India there is unity in diversity and diversity in unity. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies are transforming India. Recalling Tagore's quote that Korea would be the Lamp that will light up the East, Ambassador Cho Hyun remarked that India will be the Lamp that will Light up the world.
The formal ceremony concluded with a Toast by General Vincent K Brooks and Mr Jeong Deok-min, Honorary Consul General of India in Busan. A cultural show on the theme India meets Korea followed. A fusion of music and dance - Indian Instruments Tabla & Sitar along with Korean drum Janggu and Kathak dance enthralled the guests.
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami unfurled the national flag at the Embassy premises. During the celebrations that followed at the Indian Culture Centre, Ambassador read out the President address to the nation. It was followed by music and dance performances by ICC students. A total of about 150 guests including members of the Indian community attended the function.
