He paid tribute to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi before the formal event started.
During the event, Qatar's former deputy prime minister and minister of energy HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, congratulated Indians in a video message on the occasion, and expressed appreciation for the hard work and dedication of Indian community in Qatar.
Following the national anthem, Dr Mittal read excerpts from the message of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, who congratulated fellow Indians as “it marks the beginning of the 75th year of India’s independence for which ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is being celebrated”.
In the message, the president said: “Independence Day is a festival of freedom for us. This was made possible by generations of freedom fighters; some known, many unknown.”
“They made great sacrifices. Today, you and I breathe under free skies thanks to their heroic deeds,” he added. “I bow in respect to the pious memory of those brave martyrs.”
“Our nation, like many others, suffered great injustices and tyranny under foreign rule. What distinguishes India, however, is that the character of our nationalist movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was based on the principles of truth and non-violence,” Kovind said. “He and all other national heroes provided us with an invaluable blueprint to not only liberate the nation from colonial rule, but also to rebuild it.”
“Gandhiji’s struggle was for a return to Indian ethos and for human dignity,” he added.
The Indian envoy, speaking at the event, highlighted the spirit of the freedom struggle and appealed to the Indian community to take the spirit to higher levels, even while away from the homeland.
“Think (about it) … in 25 years, when India will be celebrating the 100th Independence Day. We all can contribute to the betterment of the community, wherever we are,” Dr Mittal said. “For Qatar and India, the environment is a priority, and we can emulate the principles of ‘Swatch Bharat Abyan’ here in Qatar by taking part in all the environmental activities in the country.”
He also spoke about the activities carried out by various bodies under the embassy, and how their efforts have bolstered India’s reputation.
“The leadership of Qatar has high regards for the Indian community, and they always appreciate the efforts of the community,” the envoy said. “This is a fitting tribute for the hard work of our community.”
Dr Mittal also announced a number of new initiatives for members of the community to bring them closer to the embassy.
During the event, the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) handed over 75 insurance schemes to beneficiaries.
The ambassador also launched a new initiative – “Bridging Generations” – a programme narrating the experiences of the pioneers of the Indian community in Qatar, who were here in the 1950s, 60,s and 70s, and connecting them with the younger members of the community.
Dr Mohan Thomas, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award winner 2021 from Qatar shared his Independence Day thoughts with *Gulf Times.
He said: “As we celebrate the 75 years of freedom, we should take a moment to look back and reflect on the path our nation had travelled, becoming the forerunner that it is today and the innumerable achievements our country has made in the international scenario.”
“We have made a mark for ourselves in the world and are definitely proud of it,” Dr Thomas said. “India will soon emerge in the forefront as one of the most developed nations of the world.”
The event concluded with cultural programmes presented by Indian organisations.