Flag unfurling, grants mark India's 55th Republic anniversary |27 January 2005

The flag was unfurled by the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Arun Kumar Goel, and this was followed by India's national anthem, sang by those attending the ceremony.

In a bid to assist certain organisations promoting Indian culture, friendship and values in Seychelles, the Indian government has this year given grants to two associations namely Sanskriti and the Indo-Seychelles Friendship Association.
 
The grants, to be used by the associations to facilitate the implementation of their activities, were presented by Mr Goel to Mr T.S.K Nair, the chairman of the Indo-Seychelles Friendship Association and to Mr A.K Singh, the chairman of Sanskriti.
Earlier in the ceremony, Mr Goel read out excerpts from the speech made by the President of India, Mr A.P.J Abdul Kalam for the occasion.
 
This year President Kalam focused on plans to generate employment for the youth in India.
Mr Goel also talked about issues concerning Indians living overseas, namely new developments regarding the Overseas Indians Day and dual citizenship.

He also announced that a special account has been opened in the Bank of Baroda for people who would like to contribute to the relief fund for Indians affected by December's tsunamis.

Wednesday's celebrations ended in the evening with a cultural show at the International Conference Centre.