NAIROBI, The High Commission of India in Nairobi celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on Friday with patriotic fervour, as more than 1,200 members of the Indian diaspora and Friends of India gathered at India House for the annual flag-hoisting ceremony.
High Commissioner Dr. Adarsh Swaika unfurled the National Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. He then read excerpts from the address delivered by the President of India to the nation on the eve of Independence Day.
In her message, the President said India was moving forward with determination toward the goal of building a “Viksit Bharat” by the centenary of Independence in 2047. Guided by the spirit of Antyodaya, she underlined India’s resolve to ensure that the benefits of development reach every individual. She highlighted the country’s rapid and inclusive growth, the expansion of modern infrastructure, digital transformation, growing economic strength, women-led development, and India’s increasing role as a voice of the Global South.
Delivering his remarks, Dr. Swaika spoke of India’s remarkable progress since 1947 and called upon the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to the national mission. Referencing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address from the ramparts of the Red Fort earlier that day, the High Commissioner drew attention to the vision of “Shakti Ki Saptadhara” — seven streams of national strength intended to propel India toward self-reliance and developed-nation status.
These seven streams, he said, are manufacturing power; agriculture, food production and food processing; technology and innovation; Gati Shakti with emphasis on seamless and modern connectivity; Raksha Shakti encompassing defence preparedness; the green and blue economy; and India’s soft power, including Yoga, Ayurveda, culture, tourism, cinema and digital content.
Speaking on bilateral ties, Dr. Swaika described Kenya as “one of India’s foremost partners in Africa.” He noted the growing momentum in the relationship through high-level visits, institutional engagements, trade and investment, development cooperation, and greater cultural appreciation between the two peoples.
The Nairobi celebrations also formed part of Surya Path Tiranga, a global digital relay under the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. The initiative traced the journey of the Tiranga across time zones, with Indian Missions around the world joining in sequence as the sun moved from east to west.
A special focus of the event was the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of _Vande Mataram_, India’s National Song. Community artists presented a soulful rendition, followed by mass singing by those present. A special exhibition tracing the history and legacy of Vande Mataram was also displayed at the venue.
The ceremony showcased India’s cultural diversity through performances by the diaspora in Kenya. The programme included a band performance by Kalakshetra Kenya, a patriotic fusion dance by the Nairobi Women’s Group, a Bastar folk dance by the Dhoom Macha Le Group, a patriotic dance by the Rangeela Group, Bharatanatyam by the Anushiva Group, and musical performances by the Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple Band.
Dr. Swaika also felicitated winners of four competitions organised to deepen engagement with India’s heritage and aspirations: the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, My India Story, India Through My Lens Photography, and Viksit Bharat@2047 Painting. The winning entries were displayed at the venue.
The celebrations concluded with refreshments and a wide variety of Indian delicacies served at live food counters. Earlier in the day, as part of the commemorations, the High Commissioner laid a wreath at Nairobi South Cemetery and paid tribute to Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the First World War.
The enthusiastic participation, the High Commission said, reflected the strong bonds within the Indian community in Kenya and the enduring friendship between the people of India and Kenya.
