Press Release
68 th Republic Day of India in Embassy of India, Tokyo
The Embassy of India organised a Flag Hoisting Programme on the 68th Republic Day of India at the Chancery premises on 26 January 2017. Despite it being a working day in Japan, more than 450 Indian nationals attended the programme which commenced at 9 am. Ambassador H.E. Sujan R. Chinoy unfurled the national flag which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
- Ambassador read out the address of the President of India to the nation in Hindi and English and welcomed the Indian community to the function. This was followed by singing of patriotic songs by students of India International School in Japan and Global Indian International School. Light refreshments were served.
- A separate reception was organised in Okura Hotel which saw participation of close to 600 guests including including 2 former Prime Ministers, Mr. Yasuo Fukuda and Dr. Yukio Hatoyama, Mr. Nobuo Kishi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Koichi Hagiuda, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Several Vice Ministers, Members of the Diet, captains of the business community, senior officials from various Ministries of the Japanese government, heads of cultural and religious organizations, think tanks, scientific community, academia, media, members of the Indian community and the diplomatic corps.
- The programme commenced with the national anthems of Japan and India. Ambassador welcomed and addressed the gathering. Mr. Koichi Hagiuda, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary and Mr Hiroyuki Hosoda, President of India-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League and Chairman of the General Council, LDP made congratulatory remarks. Mr Kiyosghi Odawara, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs was invited to raise a toast.
- Two newspapers, Japan News and Japan Times brought out a special supplement on India’s 68th Republic Day. They carried Ambassador of India’s message as well as congratulatory messages by Japanese dignitaries.
- A photo exhibition of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan in November 2016 and "Indian Deities Worshipped in Japan" was showcased at the Republic Day reception. There was also a cultural performance of Bharatnatyam and Odissi dance by the teachers of the Vivekananda Cultural Centre. Ambassador drew a lucky prize of two return tickets to New Delhi sponsored by Air India, which was won by a Japanese guest.
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