India
heading to become a world leader Ganapathi India marked the 60th
year of independence yesterday. Thousands of Indians flocked to their embassy
in Daiya for a traditional flag-raising ceremony led by Ambassador M. Ganapathi.
The ambassador congratulated all the Indian nationals in attendance and read a
message from Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Students from local Indian schools
and members of Bohra community sang patriotic songs. According to the embassy's
first secretary, AK Chadehoke, over 3,000 people attended this year's Indian Independence
Day celebration at the embassy. The embassy provided everyone in attendance with
a hot breakfast and other refreshments. Speaking with the Kuwait Times, Ambassador M. Ganapathi
expressed his great appreciation for the warm greetings he received from members
of the diplomatic corps, dignitaries and ordinary people. "Today is
India's 60th Independence Day. I would like to take this opportunity to return
the warm greetings everyone has shared with us on this special occasion. I would
also like to congratulate the members of Indian community in Kuwait and express
our deepest thanks to the government of Kuwait for hosting over half a million
Indians," said the ambassador. The ambassador praised India's democratic
practices and rapid development, which he said will ensure India's place as a
world leader in the coming years. He praised the Indian community for not just
helping their host country, but fuelling growth and development at home in India. Remembering
His Highness Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah's recent visit to India, the
ambassador praised his commitment to creating a lasting partnership between India
and Kuwait. "We're dedicated to strengthening our friendship politically,
economically, and culturally," said the ambassador. Addressing Indian
workers' concerns about labour issues he said, "Whenever a problem has occurred,
we contacted the Kuwaiti government and they were always very helpful. I admit
there are still many difficulties ahead, but if we work together we can find a
solution." The Indian ambassador took pride in saying that Indian workers
are the most sought after in all of Kuwait. "It's a great honour for our
country to hear so much positive feedback from Indian workers' sponsors. I am
always happy to hear people describe Indians as sincere, honest, dedicated hard
workers who respect the laws of their host country." When the Amir
of Kuwait visited India, he personally invited the Indian leaders to visit Kuwait.
"Our president and prime minister were invited here and they were immensely
pleased by the invitation, but they are still working out the details of the visit,"
said the ambassador. | 
