India’s Expo 2020 Dubai National Day celebration drew a massive crowd

DUBAI: India celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai recently with cultural celebrations and support from a large, cheering crowd for the official ceremony in Al Wasl, with one of the country’s top government ministers looking to the future with optimism.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Republic of India.

Sheikh Nahayan said, “We are pleased to conclude our National Day ceremonies on a high note, with the celebration of the National Day of the Republic of India. The Indian Pavilion demonstrates the country’s advanced technological breakthroughs in innovation, space exploration, smart cities and artificial intelligence, while also highlighting India’s leadership across various fields.

“The UAE is proud to share long-standing bilateral ties with India, and we remain keen to further diversify our means of cooperation at the government and private-sector levels across various areas of mutual interest to our countries.”

Goyal spoke of his excitement for the next 25 years, as India prepares itself for a century of independence, “We wish to see every child having a good, bright future ahead of him. We need to see the world’s best quality healthcare, education and opportunities for our boys and girls.

“Last week, we created history. For the first time, we were able to export goods worth over US$400 billion (AED1,470 bn) in one year. Our services exports are also growing by leaps and bounds and we hope to cross US$250 billion [AED918.25 bn] in this current year, I believe we are now at the cusp of growth and development in the years to come, an opportunity that businesses and investors from the UAE will not lose. I’m sure with the cost and trust advantage that India offers, this is the time to be in India, this is the time to invest in India. As partners, we can secure each other’s economic future and strengthen our partnership in the post-COVID world.”

The speeches were followed by a performance from Kavita Krishnamurthy, an Indian playback and classical singer who has recorded more than 50,000 songs in dozens of languages. She was supported by backing musicians and dressed in a colourful sari, with her melodious voice giving life to a selection of classical songs.

She was followed by an impressive set from violinist Dr. L Subramaniam. The musician, who is also a composer and conductor, has worked with everyone from Yehudi Menuhin to George Harrison.

The India Pavilion proudly displays the country’s art, culture, literature, cinema and cuisine from its 36 states and union territories. Visitors to the impressive four-storey pavilion in Al Forsan are treated to a mix of Ayurveda, yoga and information on the country’s space programme and fast-growing economy. They can also enjoy a 360-degree digital recreation of India’s past, present and future, plus try the nation’s cuisine and watch daily cultural shows.

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