PRESS RELEASE
March 19, 2021
Inauguration of India@75 Celebrations
Indian Cultural Centre and Embassy of India, Seoul organised the curtain raiser event of the ‘Festival of Independence’ on 19th March marking the beginning of the 75 weeks celebrations of India@75 - 75 Weeks before 75 years of India’s independence and 75 Weeks after it, which will be completed finally on 15th August 2023.
India attained independence after a lengthy period of British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. It is a happy coincidence that India shares its Independence Day, August 15, with the people of the Republic of Korea. To commemorate this occasion, Government of India has announced to mark this milestone in our journey as a nation with 75 weeks of India@75 celebrations worldwide.
On this occasion, H. E. Mr. Hwang Hee, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Republic of Korea gave the Congratulatory remarks highlighting the long cultural and historical ties between the two countries. He also shared the common struggle of the people of India anf Korea against their colonial rulers and now they have become friends who celebrate independence of each other as well as partners who plan the future together. “As companions who went through same hardship and challenges, the long standing history of trust and solidarity between India and Korea is opening a new Chapter of Hope in our shared journey”, said the Minister.
Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India as the Guest of Honour, outlined the preparations for India@75 celebrations in India. According to the Minister, “India maintains its identity in the world as a knowledge giver. We carry out our duties in the world with recognition of service and sacrifice. After this crisis of Corona, India is fulfilling all its responsibilities by celebrating this festival. Whether it is to deliver medicines or vaccines in the world or other types of service, we are ready to give up even though we are in need, because the core of Indian culture is service and sacrifice”. The manner in which people of India are engaged in this ‘Festival of Independence’, it is believed that by the time it completes 75 weeks, this festival will assume the form of a mass movement, says the Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel.
H. E. Sripriya Ranganathan, Ambassador of India to Republic of Korea gave the welcome remarks and highlighted upon the proposed activities of the India@75 Celebrations in Republic of Korea. She also focused on India’s progress in social, political and economic field and how India has emerged as a force to reckon with at the international level. Quoting the founding fathers of India, who drafted the Constitution of India, she outlined on the principle of democracy, social justice and equality and the inclusiveness of the Indian society.
During the ceremony, a Video Message by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi was also screened which was delivered at the inauguration of the curtain raiser activities of the “India@75” at Sabarmati, Gujarat (India) on March 12 at the inauguration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, as the Prime Minister himself calls it. A dance and musical rendition by the artists from India was also screened during the Curtain raiser ceremony.
The Session was moderated by Dr. Sonu Trivedi, Director of the Indian Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Seoul. “As we are entering into the 75th year of independence, we hope to carry forward the legacy of our freedom fighters, their struggle for independence and the innumerable contributions of the builders of modern India along with the rich democratic traditions of India for the years to come”, said Dr. Sonu Trivedi.
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