Indian immigrants celebrate Indian Republic Day

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India with over 1 billion people and the second most populous country in the world has been an independent state for 62 years. Indians in India and around the World will be celebrating Indian Republic Day on 26 January 2012 by participating in parades, by dressing up in traditional costumes, and by eating traditional food.

Last year, the Indian Consulate in Chicago in the US celebrated the 62nd Indian Republic Day with a flag hoisting ceremony at its office in downtown. Over 100 Chicago businessmen and community members attended the nearly two-hour event. One of the high points of the event was when attendees sang the national anthem. Consul General Mukta Tomar hoisted the Indian Tricolor and read out the message from Indian President Pratibha Patil.

Indian Republic Day commemorates the day that the Indian constitution was implemented. This is celebrated all over India and among Indian immigrants around the world. The Republic Day parade at Vijay Path in Delhi features troops and bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Children perform dances in traditional Indian costumes. The national anthem is sung along with patriotic songs and tricoloured sandwiches eaten.

"The people of India, whether they live in India or elsewhere, are the engine of India," said Ashok Das, India's consul-general in Vancouver, Canada.

There are many celebrations happening around the world including one in New Jersey, USA which as its goal looks to teach younger Indian Americans more about India and the government of their home country.

"We want to teach the younger generation about the strength of our motherland," said Atma Singh, president of Indian Congress Party, USA, a social outfit claiming allegiance to the ruling Congress Party of India. "The younger generation of Indian Americans who were born and raised in USA knows very little about India and its constitutional structure."

The event will take place on 28 January 2012 at 11am at Royal Albert's Palace in Fords, NJ. There will also be a variety of theatrical shows and interactive educational activities about India's federal structure, its constitution and its history.

Also, please note WorkPermit.com's New Delhi office will be closed tomorrow on Thursday 26 January for the Indian Republic Day celebrations.

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