Kuala Lumpur : The 72nd Republic Day of India was celebrated by the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur virtually, in compliance with the Movement Control Order (MCO) and prevailing SoPs due to the COVID- 19 situation in Malaysia.
The virtual platform enabled hundreds of non- resident Indians, overseas Indian communities and friends of India to join the celebrations online, despite the restrictions caused by the pandemic. The proceedings of the celebrations and cultural programme are available on the official website of the High Commission of India (https://hcikl.gov.in).
The celebrations commenced in the morning of 26 January, with the unfurling of the National Flag by the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, H.E. Mr. Mridul Kumar, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. High Commissioner, thereafter, delivered a brief speech. President of India’s address to the Nation on the eve of Republic Day is available on High Commission’s website (https://hcikl.gov.in) for public viewing.
The virtual event included two in-house productions by the talented teachers and students of the Carnatic vocal and dance departments of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre (NSCBICC) Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian junior and senior vocal students of NSBBICC accompanied the Vocal teacher of NSCBICC to present a medley of patriotic songs. In a unique tribute to the Indian Constitution, which came into force on 26 January 1950, senior students of Kathak at the NSCBICC performed to the ‘Preamble of the Constitution’. A special video on Constitution titled “Spirit of Freedom” was also part of the celebrations.
Following the flag hoisting ceremony in the morning, High Commission of India also organized a virtual reception in the evening of 26 January at 1700 hrs.
The virtual reception began with the video rendition of National Anthems of India and Malaysia, followed by a video presentation of patriotic medley by the Malaysian students of the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre.
High Commissioner, Mr. Mridul Kumar in his virtual address to fellow Indians and friends of India, recalled the historical linkages between India and Malaysia and highlighted the amalgamation of cultural zest, in the cuisine, language and culture of both the countries. He appreciated the exemplary support received from the Malaysian Government since May 2019, for the smooth operation of flights under the Vande Bharat Mission, the largest ever repatriation exercise by the Indian Government. He was also optimistic that India and Malaysia would continue to collaborate in fighting the pandemic and in expanding trade and commercial relations between two countries.
The virtual celebration included curated pieces on the history of India-Malaysia relations from the yester years until recent times; a series of videos from the Incredible India campaign (showcasing the variety that India offers as a tourist destination); a teaser on the forthcoming Aero India Show 2021 and of course a tantalizing peek into Indian The Kathak dance based on the theme “Preamble of the Constitution” choreographed by the Kathak teacher at NSCBICC and performed by the Malaysian senior dance students of NSCBICC was very well received.
