Consulate General of India in Toronto observes country's 73rd Republic Day today

The Consul General of India, Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava hoisted the National Flag of India and wished all the Indian diaspora in India as well as abroad.

Apoorva then read out the greetings of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.

"It is an occasion to celebrate what is common to all of us, 'Our Indianness'. It was on this day in 1950 that the sacred essence of us all assumed a formal shape. That day India was established as the largest democratic and we the people put into effect the constitution that is the inspired document of our collective vision. The diversity and vibrancy of our democracy are appreciated worldwide. It is the spirit of unity and of one nation that we celebrate every year as Republic Day," the President's statement said.

"This year's celebration is muted due to the pandemic but the spirit is as strong as ever...sums up Democracy, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity...on which our Republic stands. These are the values that form our collective inheritance...I am proud to say that in the first year of the Corona Virus in India our health care infrastructure also reached out to help others. In the second year, we have developed indigenous vaccines and launched the first biggest vaccination drive in history. The vaccination drive is progressing at a quick pace in our country...The time of social distancing has brought us closer to each other," it added.

Apoorva then requested all the fellow citizens to work sincerely for the development of their birth country for the benefit of all the communities. 

"Today it is our soldiers and security personnel who carry the legacy of our national pride," said Apoorva and then applauded the women's empowerment in the Amed Forces.

"This year India would be reaching a milestone when India celebrates the 75th year of its Independence Day. India is an ancient civilization but a young Republic. For us, Nation Building is an endeavour," she added.

Apoorva said that new opportunities await the next generation. "Our youth have taken advantage of these opportunities and set new benchmarks of success and she feels sure that with this energy, contribution, and entrepreneurship, we will continue to march ahead on the path of progress and we would definitely secure our rightful place in the global community," said she.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)