By Seli Baisie
The High Commission of India in Ghana has marked India’s 80th Independence Day with a celebration in Accra, bringing together more than 800 members of the Indian diaspora and Ghanaian friends.
The event, held at India House, featured the hoisting of India’s national flag by the High Commissioner, H.E. Surinder Bhagat, followed by the singing of the national anthem and cultural performances showcasing the country’s diverse heritage.
The High Commissioner also read the address to the nation delivered by the President of India, in which the President highlighted India’s development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment and the role of young people in nation-building.
In the address, the President called on Indians to work towards building a developed India, known as Viksit Bharat, by 2047, the centenary of the country’s independence.
“The development and wellbeing of every Indian is the real objective of building Viksit Bharat,” the President said.
The President said India’s progress depended on the collective contribution of citizens across different sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, science, technology, industry, sports and public service.
He also praised the Indian diaspora and diplomatic officials for contributing to the country’s image and interests abroad.
“I also praise the Indian diaspora and the officials serving in our embassies who enhance India’s prestige and honour on the global stage,” he said.
Focus on women and young people in India
The President’s address placed particular emphasis on women’s participation in India’s development, noting their growing presence in education, business, agriculture, the armed forces and other sectors.
He said more than 10 crore women are members of self-help groups, while the target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis, women earning at least ₹1 lakh annually, had been achieved.
The President also highlighted India’s young population, with 65 per cent of the country’s population below the age of 35.
“This young population is our most valuable asset,” he said, adding that young Indians were increasingly embracing entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation.
He said the government was also taking steps to improve public examinations and create new opportunities for young people.
India highlights digital and green transition
The address also highlighted India’s digital transformation, infrastructure development and renewable energy expansion.
According to the President, more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions now take place in India, while the country has also made significant progress in renewable energy and its Sustainable Development Goals.
He said India’s development agenda was being pursued alongside efforts to protect the environment and ensure that future generations inherit adequate natural resources.
“Future generations have as much right over natural resources as we do,” he said.
On foreign policy, the President said India remained committed to peace, cooperation, dialogue and a rules-based international order.
He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to stronger representation for developing countries, particularly at the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
Cultural performances and Bharat Ko Janiye quiz
At the Accra celebration, the High Commissioner felicitated the top five performers in a special Independence Day edition of the Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) quiz, recognising their knowledge of India.
The programme also featured cultural performances reflecting India’s rich and diverse traditions.
The celebrations ended with a Swachhata campaign at India House, where the High Commissioner and members of the mission participated in cleaning the premises.
The exercise, according to the High Commission, reflected the spirit of Swachh Bharat and its commitment to promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
The High Commission said the celebration provided an opportunity for the Indian community in Ghana and their Ghanaian friends to commemorate India’s independence while reaffirming the values of unity, patriotism and service.
India gained independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947.
