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Celebrations of Independence Day in Norway

Posted on: August 17, 2021 | Back | Print

Embassy of India in Norway celebrated the 75th Independence Day today at India House with patriotic fervour and zeal.  The Flag Hoisting ceremony was attended by over 190 persons of Indian origin, friends of India in Norway and the indigenous Norwegians.  Two Norwegian Members of Parliament from the Progress Party, Mr. Christian Tybring-Gjedde and Mr. Himanshu Gulati attended the programme.  Dr. B. Bala Bhaskar, Ambassador of India unfurled the National Tricolour, followed by singing of the National Anthem.  A cultural programme followed thereafter.  This was the first occasion where Indian and Norwegian artists performed on stage to create a melodious musical symphony.  The cultural programme included patriotic songs, traditional Indian dances, joint performance of instrumental music.  Dr. Sudeshna Bhattacharya, noted Sarod player in Norway created a number of melodies through her music, which included Mahatma Gandhi’s famous Bhajans, ‘Vaishnav Jan To Taine Kahiye’ and ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ followed by ‘Vande Matram’.  Dr. Bhattacharya presented famous Raga, Rag Bhairavi on Sarod.  Another sterling performance by PIO artists, Dr. Rohini Sahajpal, Shri Jaishankar and the Norwegian artist enthralled the audience with the Sare Jahan se Accha tune.  

These performances were greatly appreciated by the audience.  National television NRK sent a team to India House to cover the event.   In addition, PTC Punjabi news channel and the Punjabi newspaper Ajit Patrika telecast the event and posted their news items the same evening online. This was Mission’s inaugural programme commemorating India@75 – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.  Mission plans to organize similar events on grand scale in the coming months. 

The Indian diaspora actively participated in the singing of the Rashtrgaan – Jana Gana Mana.  Till 15 August, 2021, 234 members of Indian diaspora had already recording their renderings of the National Anthem.

In his address, Dr. B. Bala Bhaskar laid special emphasis on India@75-AKAM, underlining the need for greater participation from both Indian and Norwegian artists.  Ambassador, inter alia mentioned about PM’s address at the UNSC and impressive performance of India’s contingent at the recently-concluded Tokyo Olympics.

Senior members from the diaspora were honoured for their contribution towards the Indian community and society in general.