India celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence on August 15, 2007
24 June, 2007

The Consulate General of India, Dubai, in association with some of the leading Indian Corporates in Dubai, proposes to organize a series of events to mark this occasion. These events will be held from August 15, 2007 (India’s Independence Day) to January 26, 2008 (India’s Republic Day) and will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant and plural society as well as its rapid growth in economic strength and technological capabilities. Events proposed to be organized will include cultural performances by top Indian artists, talks by eminent Indians, a media campaign to highlight India’s economic achievements and capabilities, debates and quiz competitions for school children etc.

The 60th anniversary celebrations will kick off with a mega event on August 15, 2007 titled “Tiranga”, a multi-media presentation on the national flag of India. This programme will bring together for the first time ever in Dubai maestros of Indian classical music such as Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vidhwan U. Srinivas, Pandit Bhawani Shankar Kathak, Vijay Ghate and S.V.Ramani. They will be further accompanied by renowned poet Javed Akhtar. These maestros will through music and poetry pay tribute to India and its tricolour national flag.

Pandit Jasraj and Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia are artists who have been awarded the Padma Vibhushan award by the Government of India in recognition of their contributions to Indian music and culture. Javed Akhtar has been awarded the Padma Bhushan and Vidhwan U. Srinivas the Padmashree by the Government of India. The Padma awards are highest civilian honours awarded by the Government of India to persons who have excelled in various fields. Pandit Jasraj is India’s leading vocalist in the Hindusthani tradition. Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia is India’s most well known player of the flute. Vidhwan Srinivas plays mandolin in the Carnatic style. Pandit Bhawani Shankar Kathak on the Pakhawaj (two headed hand drum), Vijay Ghate on the Tabla and S.V.Ramani on the Ghatam(clay pot) will be the percussionists in the ensemble. “Tiranga” was first presented in New Delhi in January 2003 to an audience that included President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

“Tiranga” is being brought to Dubai by the Consulate General of India with the assistance of M/S. Emirates Techno Casting (ETC) FZE, one of the leading Indian companies in the region. Staff of the ETC under the leadership of its President / CEO Mr. Faizal Kotikollon, have been working closely with the Consulate in the organization of this event. ETC is the largest valve casting manufacturer in the world for the oil and gas industry and its annual turnover (projected for the year 2007) is around AED 500 million with an average growth of 50% for the past three years. ETC will be the sole sponsor of the entire event.

The Consulate General of India would like to appeal to all Indians and friends of India in U.A.E to make the 60th anniversary celebrations of India’s independence a big success.