India’s 80th Independence Day marked in Accra with call for inclusive development

India's 80th Independence Day was celebrated in Accra, Ghana on August 15th with a ceremony held at India House. The event drew over 800 Indian expatriates and their Ghanaian acquaintances. The High Commissioner, H.E. Surinder Bhagat, raised the Indian flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem and cultural displays showcasing India's diverse heritage.

President of India addressed the gathering, emphasizing India's progress in development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and women's empowerment. The President called upon Indians to strive towards building a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of India's independence, known as Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the collective contribution of citizens across various sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, science, technology, industry, sports, and public service to achieve this goal.

The President also praised India's young population, noting that over 65% of the country's population is below the age of 35. He emphasized the importance of young Indians embracing entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. Additionally, the President discussed India's digital transformation, infrastructure development, and expansion of renewable energy sources. He stressed the importance of protecting the environment for future generations to inherit adequate natural resources.

The celebration in Accra honored the top five performers of a special Independence Day edition of the Bharat Ko Janiye quiz, demonstrating the Indian diaspora's engagement with their cultural roots. The program concluded with a Swachhata campaign, where the High Commissioner and mission staff participated in cleaning activities to promote a cleaner, more sustainable environment.