The event attended by members of the Indian Community in Ghana, Indian companies and well-wishers were marked by a dance performance titled ‘The United India,’ by Dance Era Bollywood Group,  an  Indian dance company.

As part of the programme, Indians in the country who had contributed to their country were honoured.

Also, honoured were students who emerged winners in an essay competition organised by the Indian High Commission on the topic “India in the Past, Present and Future.”

The Indian High Commissioner in Accra, Mr Sugandh Rajaram, in a speech read on behalf of the President of India, SMT. Droupadi Murmu, said the 75^th anniversary of India was cause a for celebration not only for Indians but advocates of democracy around the world.

He said when India won independence, there were many international leaders and experts who were skeptical about the success of democratic form of government in the country, but India had kept those skeptics wrong.

“India, after so many years of exploitation at the hands of foreign rulers, was marked by poverty and illiteracy.  But we Indians proved the skeptics wrong.  Democracy not only grew roots in the soil, it was enriched too,” the Indian President, said.

President Murmu said the struggle of India for freedom was waged bravely across the vast territory of the country.

“Many great freedom fighters did their duty and passed on the torch of awakening leaving little trace of their heroic deeds,” he said and commended them for their sacrifice for the country.

President Murmu said India for the past 75 years had worked to build a strong economy and growth was becoming more inclusive and regional disparities too were reducing.

“Economic success is leading to an ease in living too.  Economic reforms are rightly accompanied by innovative welfare initiatives.  A home of one’s own is no longer a dream for the poor, but a reality for more and more people,” he said.

President Murmu said India was able to contain the COVID-19 pandemic due to the strong economic and health system the country had laid.

“Our response to the pandemic has been appreciated everywhere.  We launched the biggest vaccination drive in human history with vaccines manufactured in the country itself.  In combating the pandemic, our achievements have been better than those of many developed countries,” he said.

President Murmu paid glowing tribute to the freedom fighters whose efforts led to the independence of India.

“For the vibrancy of growth visible in our country, credit must also be given to workers and farmers whose business acumen has created wealth.  What is the more heartening is the growth that is becoming more inclusive,” he said, adding that “India’s new-found confidence stems from the spirit of its youth, its farmers, and above all, its women.”

President Murmu entreated the people of India both home and abroad, to continue to work hard to accelerate the development of the country.