SINGAPRE CITY: Restricted Republic Day Celebrations By Indians Abroad Amid Covid

SINGAPRE CITY: The Indian expatriates in China
and Singapore on Tuesday celebrated the 72nd Republic Day in a restricted
manner, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In
Beijing, Ambassador Vikram Misri unfurled the national flag at the Indian embassy
where the celebrations were restricted to officials of the mission and their
families in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the Chinese capital
and surrounding areas.

Mr Misri
read out President Ram Nath Kovind’s address to the nation. He also released a
special instrumental rendition of ”Vande Mataram” produced by Chaiti Arts
Foundation.

Beijing
and several cities are currently experiencing a relapse of coronavirus cases.
As a result, local governments have imposed measures to restrict public
gatherings.

China’s
National Health Commission on Tuesday reported 82 newly confirmed COVID-19
cases and one death due to the virus on Monday.

In
Singapore, the High Commissioner of India, P Kumaran, led the Republic Day
celebration at the mission by unfurling the national flag and reading President
Kovind’s message to the people through live streaming on Facebook.

The
ceremony was restricted to members of the High Commission for in-person
presence due to COVID-19 safety measures.

Later
this evening, the Republic Day celebration will be held virtually. Recorded
messages will be played on the virtual platform. Singapore Minister in the
Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Tan See Leng, will be representing the government,
said the High Commission.