India's 74th Republic Day Celebrated...

As part of the 74th anniversary of India's Republic Day, a reception was held at the Hilton İstanbul Bosphorus Hotel, hosted by India's Consul General in Istanbul, Sudhi Choudhary. The reception was attended by Deputy Governor of Istanbul Özlem Gevrek Bozkurt, India's Ambassador to Ankara Virander Paul, TÜROB Secretary General İsmail Taşdemir, TÜROB Board Member Uğur Talayhan, consuls general, the diplomatic mission, members of the press and numerous invited guests.

In a speech he delivered in Turkish at the reception, India's Consul General in Istanbul, Sudhi Choudhary, spoke about the importance of this day for India. Stating that India is among the fastest-growing major economies and a responsible member of the international community, Choudhary said that his country was carrying out its G-20 presidency under the theme “One World, One Family, One Future.” He added: “The world looks to the G-20 with hope. We assure the entire world that India's presidency will be inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented. January 26, celebrated as Republic Day, holds a special place in the hearts of nearly one and a half billion Indian citizens living in India and abroad. Even before India's independence, starting from 1930, this holiday was celebrated each year as “Purna Swarajya” day, or “Complete Independence Day,” and accordingly, when the country achieved its freedom, this date was designated as the day on which the constitution was adopted. Republic Day, like Independence Day, is a time for gratitude and for offering our thanks to those who struggled to free India from two centuries of colonial rule. It is also a time to commemorate the great leaders who taught us to realize our dreams – such as advancing along the path of development and prosperity while grounding ourselves in the ideals of democracy, justice, freedom, equality and solidarity,” he said.