India’s Independence Day anniversary Indians in Seychelles celebrate |16 August 2018

The Indian diaspora living and working in Seychelles celebrated the 72nd Independence Day of India during a ceremony held at the Palais des Sports yesterday.

India, which was considered as the crown of the British Empire, gained its independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

The event started off with a solemn flag-raising ceremony which was consequently followed by the singing of the Jana-gana-mana, the National Anthem of India.

As customary, the high commissioner of India Dr Ausaf Sayeed read out excerpts of a message from the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.

The Indian President's message conveyed the importance of ‘Indianness’, an essence which is supposed to unite India but which India also seeks to share to other countries such as through providing help to many African nations, taking on initiatives to fight climate change and contributing to the United Nations’ peacekeeping operations around the world.

When it comes to the Indo-Seychelles relationship specifically, Dr Sayeed later told the press that the relationship between the two nations is a special one which has grown immensely since diplomatic relations was officially established in 1976.

“During these last 40 years relations have strengthened year after year so we have a very strong relationship and we consider Seychelles as our maritime neighbour.”

In line with this, Dr Sayeed explained that the joint India-Seychelles military facility which was to be set up on Assumption is a discussion which started around 2009 during the height of piracy activities in the region.

It is to be noted that the project faced fierce opposition in Seychelles and subsequently led to President Danny Faure announcing that Seychelles will undertake the construction of a small military facility on Assumption by itself.

In any case, Dr Sayeed said that India is “still discussing with Seychelles on what it wants, how it wants, what would be the general consensus between the various stakeholders and depending on what Seychelles decides by consensus India will respond suitably”.

Yesterday’s Independence Day celebrations also included numerous colourful and engaging cultural performances followed by food and refreshments.