Indian Navy contingent marching at Rajpath at the 68th India Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, Jan. 26. (Kamal Singh/PTI) (All India Parade photos by PTI)

The tradition continues as Indians all over the world marked India’s 68th Republic Day with much pomp and show. From Delhi, to Dubai, to San Francisco and around the globe, the tri-color was to be seen everywhere. A Siliconeer report and photo essay with inputs from Vasudha Badri-Paul and PTI. – @Siliconeer #Siliconeer #BurjKhalifa #RepublicOfIndia #IndiaRepublicDay #Parade #Festivities #IndianAmerican @IndianCosulateSF @IndianEmbassyUS

India’s Republic Day is a special day for all Indians, resident and non-resident alike. This year was the 68th Republic Day of the largest democracy in the world, a glorious reminder to all Indians to celebrate their country and rejoice in the rich heritage of India.

While India’s Independence Day, Aug. 15, celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day, Jan. 26, celebrates the enactment of its Constitution. In other words, August 15, 1947, was the day when India got it’s independence from British rule, while Jan 26, 1950, was the day the laws that govern India were adapted by means of the Constitution of India.

Burj Khalifa Glows with Tri-color to Mark India’s Republic Day

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was lit up, Jan. 25, in tri-colors – saffron, white and green – to celebrate India’s 68th Republic Day, showcasing strong cultural and trade bond between India and the UAE.

“#BurjKhalifa wishes The #RepublicOfIndia a Happy National Day,” the official account of Burj Khalifa tweeted.

“The visual expression of the tri-colors underlined the solidarity of the UAE and its people with India, with which the nation shares strong cultural and trade ties,” said Dubai-based real estate company, Emaar, in a statement.

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day Parade, in New Delhi, Jan. 26.

The grand public display of India-UAE close relations at Burj Khalifa was viewed by huge population of various nationalities present in Dubai and around the world through social networks and conventional media.

San Francisco Bay Area Marks Indian Republic Day

Like in many other parts of the world, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, celebrated the Indian Republic Day, Jan. 26, with many from the Indian diaspora in attendance.

In an event organized at Gadar Memorial Hall in San Francisco, Consul General Venkatesan Ashok hoisted the Indian Tri-color and read out the speech delivered by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee to Indian citizens on the occasion. The event was attended by officials of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and their family members.

Later in the evening the Consulate held a community reception at the India Community Center in Milpitas, Calif.

California State Senator Bob Wieckowski, Indian American member of California State Assembly Ash Kalra, Cupertino Mayor Savita Vaidhyanathan, several Council members of cities around San Francisco, Consul General of Indonesia, San Francisco, and Deputy Consul General of Japan were some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

In addition, approximately 600 Indian American community members also attended the event.

In his speech, Consul General Ashok highlighted the importance of Republic Day to India. He also mentioned the various flagship programs of Government of India including Make in India, Digital India, and “Namami Gange.” He also informed the audience about the opening of Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.

The Consul General felicitated dignitaries at the event as they presented various proclamations on the occasion. Cultural programs by community kids and adults were arranged to mark the occasion.

The California State Senate and the California State Assembly passed Resolutions at the Capitol, in Sacramento, to mark Indian Republic Day celebrations. While Senator Tony Mendoza had presented the Resolution in California State Senate, Assembly Member Ash Kalra had presented the same in California State Assembly. Consul General Venkatesan Ashok was also present at both the houses on the occasion.

FOG Marks Indian Republic Day

Festival of Globe (FOG) hosted the annual Indian Republic Day at the Santa Clara Convention Center, a prominent center for public events in Silicon Valley. The day was a chockfull of culture, with dance performances, ethnic fashion shows, Indian food stalls, and local eminent public figures of Indian American descent.

It was an all day event, spanning from 11 AM in the morning to 10 PM at night. The day was sprinkled with patriotic themes depicting the glory of India, past and present and the changing face of modern India.

The convention center was packed with people, the stage was alive with dances and speeches, and smiling, happy faces were to be seen everywhere. The children were especially lucky to have a day to showcase their talent, eat some Indian food, and mingle with other kids and families.

The auditorium was filled to the brim with eager spectators of the dances, speeches, and cultural activities.

Dr. Romesh Japra, President of the Festival of Globe organization was at hand to greet the steady stream of eminent Indian Americans of the community who graced the occasion.

San Francisco’s Indian Consul General Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok and Congressman Ro Khanna (Congressional District 17), former Deputy Assistant at the U.S. Department of Commerce were guests of honor. Both of them graced the event with inspiring speeches on taking pride in the Indian community and describing the recent success of Indians in the political and community services arena.

The first Indian female Mayor of Cupertino, Savita Vaidhyanthan, wore the Indian traditional sari on stage. The crowds cheered at the comment of having more Indian American women representing the state.

Ash Kalara, the first Indian American to be elected to the San Jose City Council, Saratoga Councilmember Rishi Kumar, Fremont Councilmember Raj Salwan, and Kansen Chu, California State Assembly member were on stage, talking about pride in the community of Indians and Asians, at large.

The pictures have been acquired from various sources, Press Trust of India; Indian Consulate San Francisco; Amar D. Gupta and Vasudha Badri-Paul on assignment for Siliconeer.