Indian Diaspora in Ireland Celebrates 76th Republic Day with Pride and Unity in Dublin

Image Credit: Arpita Chowdhury

'The Indian diaspora came together with immense pride and patriotic fervor to celebrate the 76th Republic Day of India at the Indian Embassy on Sunday', writes Arpita Chowdhury

Braving the chilly Dublin weather, the Indian diaspora came together with immense pride and patriotic fervor to celebrate the 76th Republic Day of India at the Indian Embassy on Sunday 26 January. Wrapped in vibrant tricolors and traditional attire, families, students, and professionals gathered to honour their roots and pay tribute to the Indian Constitution.

Republic Day is celebrated in India on January 26 each year to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, which replaced the Government of India Act (1935) and established India as a sovereign nation.

The Indian Constitution, drafted by the Constituent Assembly under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, came into effect on January 26, 1950. January 26 was chosen to honor the Purna Swaraj Declaration of 1930, when the Indian National Congress declared complete independence from British rule.

The event commenced with the unfurling of the Indian flag and the singing of the national anthem, followed by an address from the Ambassador of India to Ireland, Akhilesh Mishra, who began by reading the message of the President of India Droupadi Murmu.

Ambassador Mishra highlighted the contributions of the Indian community in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Ireland. "Your integration with the Irish community is so harmonious, so friendly, so warm that it truly gladdens our hearts," he stated, emphasizing the positive perception of India among the Irish people.

A significant milestone was observed in the political sphere, with six Indian-origin councillors elected in the local Irish elections, including Ireland’s first-ever mayor of Indian origin. "This demonstrates that the Indian community is well accepted and embraced by the Irish people as their own," he remarked.

Trade and education were also underscored as key areas of collaboration, the ambassador noted that "trade between India and Ireland has grown threefold, and Indian students now represent the largest international student group in Irish universities."

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Indian diaspora was also praised, with many professionals transitioning into becoming job creators, he added "We see a significant trend of Indian professionals becoming entrepreneurs, building bridges between India and Ireland."

The celebrations concluded with vibrant cultural performances that showcased India's rich heritage.