75th Republic Day, January 26, 2024
As part of 75th Republic Day Celebrations on January 26, 2024, the Embassy of India, Reykjavik held the Flag unfurling ceremony in the Chancery premises at 10:30 hrs followed by the Republic Day Reception at Hotel Hilton Nordica, Reykjavik from 16:30 to 18:30 hrs.
Despite heavy snow, road closures and inclement weather, nearly 40 Indians, Persons of Indian Origin and Friends of India, attended the flag unfurling ceremony held in the morning. The gathering was joined by two Indian Paralympians Mr. Sheikh Mohammad Shams Alam and Mr Naranjan Mukundan, who were in Reykjavik to participate in the Reykjavik International Games (January 24-29, 2024). The program commenced with Ambassador Shri B Shyam unfurling the National Flag and reading out of the Address by Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji. A cultural program was organized by children of the Indian community, which saw enthusiastic participation indoors.
As part of 3T efforts towards promotion of tourism in India, a photo-feature on Lakshadweep under the theme Visit Lakshadweep was organized. Both promotional videos and photos were obtained from the Ministry of Tourism. The morning program concluded with light refreshments.
The Embassy hosted a Reception in the evening at Hotel Hilton Nordica to commemorate the 75th Republic Day. Despite continuing inclement weather, and snow creating traffic disruptions, the event was well attended by dignitaries from the Foreign Office, various line Ministries, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of commerce and industry, as well as trade and specific sectors including tourism, writers, doctors, singers, teachers, professors, members of the Indian community and Friends of India. While addressing the gathering, Ambassador Shri B. Shyam underlined the progress in India-Iceland relations over the years and highlighted developments in India, including at the G20. In his address, Permanent Secretary of State Mr. Martin Eyjolfsson recalled his visit to India, discussions at the Foreign Office Consultations, progress during visit of the 40-member India-Iceland Business Association, CII-NB8 forum as well as EFTA-India negotiations, expressing earnest hope of its speedy conclusion at the earliest.
The photo-feature on Lakshadweep was showcased on the sidelines at Hilton Hotel, for which members from tour operators association were specifically invited to the photo gallery and video promotion. The exhibition was also viewed with interest and greatly appreciated by the attendees who were encouraged to visit Lakshadweep on their next trip to India; further discussion with the tour operators is planned. An enthralling performance was put up by the Multicultural Choir Group or Multikultikorinn. The choir brings together women singers from across the world, including spouse of the Ambassador, who meet in Reykjavik and sing songs from their home countries. The group presented a beautiful fusion of Indian and Icelandic culture through the common language of music, that was joined in by the guests. The performance was followed by a repast of Indian delicacies.
