The Indian community in Bhutan celebrated India’s 69th Independence Day at the Indian Embassy in Hejo on August 15. His Majesty’s representative, the Gyalpoi Zimpon, cabinet and foreign secretary, chief of protocol and senior government officials attended the celebration.

Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Gautam Bambawale, read the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation. The speech highlighted India’s history, economy, achievements and challenges.

The president said in his address that a nation which forgets the idealism of its past loses something vital from its future. “India is a complex country of 1.3 billion people, 122 languages, 1,600 dialects and seven religions. Its strength lies in its unique capacity to blend apparent contradictions into positive affirmations,” the president stated.

The celebration ended with a musical concert in the evening performed by a six member North East Breeze Band led by Rupham Bhuyan. Members of the royal family, members of parliament, and senior government officials attended the cultural programme.