The 75th Independence Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India, Bangkok, on 15 August 2021, in hybrid mode, in view of the prevailing pandemic situation and related restrictions in Thailand. The National Flag was hoisted by Ambassador of India to Thailand, H.E. Ms. Suchitra Durai, followed by singing of the National Anthem. Ambassador addressed the Indian community and read out the President’s Address to the Nation. In her address, Ambassador informed about the Government’s decision regarding global celebrations of the 75th anniversary of independence as Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, and elaborated upon the recent developments in bilateral relations and the programmes and initiatives launched by the Government of India to fight the pandemic aimed at safeguarding both lives and livelihood of the people of India.
Ambassador’s address was followed by online streaming of a video clip titled “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence” prepared by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India. This was followed by a video clip on India’s Independence Struggle produced by the Embassy of India in collaboration with Rich India, a production house in Bangkok. It was the fourth episode of a videos series produced as part of the India@75 celebrations.
These video clips were followed by streaming of a virtual cultural programme, including patriotic songs, curated in collaboration with the Indian Diaspora members and associations, including Indian Association of Thailand, Indian Women’s Club and the North East India Association.
The virtual cultural programme was followed by an online photo exhibition on the theme of India’s freedom struggle and an online exhibition of products of Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) at the Atmanirbhar Bharat Corner inaugurated by Ambassador.
A separate exhibition of Indian motorcycles- Royal Enfield and Bajaj was also showcased at the Embassy premises and streamed online, highlighting the AtmaNirbharBharat Initiative.
The exhibition was followed by streaming of Cultural Gala Performance, held by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) held in New Delhi, depicting various Indian dance forms and music on the theme of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
A video on the global digital Painting and Poster Making Competition being held by ICCR on the topic “My Idea of India” was also streamed online, encouraging wider participation.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Bangkok, organised an online programme, including a medley of patriotic songs by Indian singers based in Bangkok, and a special programme of Bharatanatyam Dance Recital based on Ramayana by Ms. Sumithra Subramaniam.
The Independence Day event was live streamed on YouTube and Facebook page of the Embassy as well as shared on other social media platforms.
In addition, to mark the special occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in Thailand, two iconic buildings in Bangkok, the Thailand Cultural Centre and the Baiyoke Sky Tower are being illuminated with the colours of the Indian Flag on 15 August 2021.