The 53rd anniversary of the Indian Republic was celebrated on Sunday with a flag hoisting ceremony in the morning and a lively cultural show later in the evening.

It was the Indian High Commissioner His Excellency Mr Malay Mishra who presided over the flag hoisting ceremony, a symbolic gesture by the Indians to mark their annual Republic Day.

The ceremony took place at the high commissioner's Sans Souci residence.

After he had hoisted his country's flag, H.E. Mr Mishra read out the Indian President's, Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam's message for the occasion about his visions for a developed India.

The event, which also saw a short performance by the Tamil Development Centre, was attended by members of the Indian community living or working in Seychelles.

Later in the evening the International Conference Centre (ICCS) was packed with members of the Indian community who had gathered for an evening of entertainment and enlightenment.

The evening's cultural event began with the High Commissioner's annual speech, followed by several colourful performances as children and adults took the stage.

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