Indian Embassy gifts 33 ambulances on 67th Republic Day

Kathmandu / January 26: The 67th Republic Day of India was celebrated in a public ceremony held in the premises of the Embassy of India, Kathmandu today.

On this occasion, the Ambassador of India to Nepal Ranjit Rae hoisted the national flag and read out the message of the President of India. The President’s message stressed, among other things, India’s support for peace, stability and development in its neighborhood.

The event was marked by unveiling of the ‘Bhu Puu 2015 Magazine’, published by the Defence Wing of the Embassy to publicize all welfare initiatives of the Government of India for Ex-Servicemen domiciled in Nepal.

According to a press release issued by the Embassy of India here, the widows and dependents of Ex-servicemen and disabled Ex-servicemen were handed over cheques and blankets by the Ambassador. In addition, books were donated to 52 Libraries, educational and training institutions located in different regions of Nepal, including the remote districts.

“The Government of India, on this occasion, reaffirmed its commitment to support Nepal on its journey towards development and gifted forty ambulances and eight buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organization and educational institutions of different districts to strengthen education and health services in Nepal,” the press release stated.

At the function, Ambassador Rae presented thirty three ambulances and six buses at Kathmandu whereas seven other ambulances and two buses were gifted by the Consulate General of India, Birgunj to different organizations under its consular jurisdiction.

Since 1994, the Government of India has gifted 542 ambulances to various organizations across 73 districts in Nepal. This has helped in bringing healthcare services to the doorstep of thousands of people who do not have access to healthcare services. India has also so far gifted 106 buses to various educational and welfare institutions across 25 districts in Nepal, making access to education easier for thousands of students.

The 67th Republic Day function was attended by Embassy officials, their families, members of the Indian community and other guests. The ceremony concluded with a scintillating performance by the Nepalese Army Band followed by patriotic songs, sung by the students of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, the Modern Indian School and the Indian Cultural Centre.

The Ambassador also hosted a reception which was attended by senior leaders, public personalities and representatives of various sections of Nepalese Society, as well as prominent Indian citizens. Currently, India has been imposing undeclared blockade to Nepal expressing dissatisfaction over the new constitution of Nepal. RSS