Kathmandu, January 26 – The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day on Thursday with grandeur. The event commenced with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by the Indian Ambassador to Nepal. During the ceremony, the ambassador extended greetings to the Indian diaspora residing in Nepal, followed by the broadcast of an address to the nation by the President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu.

The ambassador honored the families of 219 deceased personnel of the Indian Armed Forces with a disbursement of NPR 23.29 crores, including benefits under the Army Group Insurance (AGI) scheme for 2024, covering death-in-service and extended insurance. Additionally, the event saw the unveiling of the “Bhoopoo-2025” magazine, which details welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen residing in Nepal.

The Indian government distributed books worth NPR 23.5 lakhs to 29 educational institutions across six provinces of Nepal to address the needs of students in remote areas. During the “Bharat Ko Janiye” (BKJ) Quiz, 50 high-performing students from Nepal were awarded certificates of achievement. Among the winners, Mr. Nikhil Kumar Das represented Nepal and was invited to participate in a two-week BKJ journey to India as part of a global reward initiative.

A video presentation during the ceremony highlighted the progress in India-Nepal relations over the years. Students from the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and Kendriya Vidyalaya showcased cultural performances, adding vibrancy to the event. The ceremony was also live-streamed on the embassy’s social media platforms.

India celebrates Republic Day annually on January 26, marking the adoption of its Constitution in 1950. The event is a reminder of India’s journey from colonial rule to a sovereign republic. Nepal played a significant role in supporting India’s independence movement, with Nepali nationals contributing to the cause and providing refuge to Indian freedom fighters. The shared cultural and historical ties have further strengthened the relationship between the two nations.

This year’s celebration highlighted India’s achievements in technology, education, and culture. India’s progress in information technology, space exploration through ISRO, and digital infrastructure under initiatives like “Digital India” were prominently displayed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has also been pivotal in reinforcing India’s economic growth and global standing through programs such as “Make in India” and “Digital India.” However, debates on secularism and minority rights remain part of the discourse.

The Republic Day celebration at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu reflected the depth of India-Nepal relations and celebrated India’s remarkable journey as a republic. The 76th Republic Day is not just a commemoration but also a reaffirmation of shared history and commitment to a common future.

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