Consulate would do everything to make 'Home away from Home' for all Indians: Apoorva on 74th India's Independence Day
Toronto/IBNS: This year's observance of India's Independence Day on Aug 15 in the office of the Consulate General of India, Toronto, was very different and unique due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The observance of the day was a virtual event. Nevertheless, it did not lack zeal, enthusiasm, and patriotism.
Consulate General of India Toronto office commenced the observation of 74th India's Independence Day on Aug 15 at 10 am by flag hoisting ceremony performed by the Consul General of India Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava followed by India's National anthem.
This was followed by Apoorva Srivastava's speech wishing a very very happy 74th India's Independence Day to the Indian diaspora in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and the virtual participants from all across the world.
She then read the excerpts of the Happy Independence Day message of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind's address to the nation on the eve of India's Independence.
Apoorva once again wished all a very Happy India Independence Day. She offered her gratitude to 1.6 million Indo-Canadians, 700,000 Indian citizens in Canada, and 225,000 Indian students in Canada who act as a living bridge between India and Canada.
She said that "while the Consulate welcomed people from India and offered them an opportunity to flourish and prosper, the Indian community has on its part contributed to Canadian life in every field from politics to commerce, from academic to arts," and added, "I am very proud that the Indian community has come forward during the pandemic not only to support the stranded Indians but also the larger Canadian society."
Apoorva said that the Consulate on its part has been working with associations and helping the stranded Indians in all ways possible.
Under the Vande Bharat Mission, said Apoorva 8000 people had been repatriated till then in 43 flights.
Apoorva continued to say that the Consulate had been doing everything from "consular services and facilitating Vande Bharat Mission flights" and added,
"Let me assure that the Consulate would do everything to create Home away from Home."
She then requested all to participate virtually in various events organized during the weekend including illumination of various iconic sites like Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Toronto Sign, and Virtual Panorama India Parade.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Images by IndiainToronto
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