By Abdul Rahman M. Baig
JEDDAH: The Consulate General of India, Jeddah, celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 with patriotic fervor, cultural vibrancy and a strong sense of community, bringing together around 600 members of the Indian diaspora, Consulate officials and staff, and friends of India at the Consulate premises.
The celebrations began with the singing of the National Song Vande Matram, followed by the hoisting of the National Flag by Consul General Shri Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri and the singing of the National Anthem. The Consul General then read the Address to the Nation delivered by the Hon’ble President of India on the eve of Independence Day.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Suri reflected on India’s remarkable journey of progress and transformation and the collective efforts towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He highlighted the growing India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership and acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the nearly 2.7-million-strong Indian community in the Kingdom, describing it as a living bridge between the two countries.
The Consul General also reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to providing responsive, accessible and people-centric services to the Indian community.
The program reflected India’s rich cultural diversity, with students of the International Indian School Jeddah and members of the Indian community presenting patriotic songs that added warmth and colour to the celebrations. Winners of various competitions organized in the run-up to Independence Day were also felicitated.
Adding another flavour to the occasion, guests were treated to a diverse selection of regional Indian cuisines, showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage. The menu also reflected the spirit of the Consulate’s Satwik Aahaar initiative, underscoring its continued emphasis on balanced nutrition, healthy food choices and healthier lifestyles.
A special Har Ghar Tiranga exhibition was another highlight of the celebrations. Members of the Indian community, guests, Consulate officials and their families visited the exhibition and enthusiastically participated in the campaign, celebrating the Tiranga as a powerful symbol of India’s unity, freedom and shared national pride.
The celebrations also carried a strong message of civic responsibility through a cleanliness drive organised under the Swachhata Abhiyan. Members of the Consulate and the Indian community joined the initiative, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts towards cleanliness, environmental responsibility and a better living environment.
The Independence Day celebrations in Jeddah thus brought together the diverse strands of the Indian community in a spirit of unity, gratitude and pride, reaffirming the enduring bond between Indians in the Kingdom and their motherland.
Glimpses of the celebrations are available on the Consulate General of India, Jeddah’s social media platforms: X (@CGIJeddah), Facebook (@CGIJEDDAH), Instagram (@CGIJeddah) and YouTube (@CGI_JEDDAH).
