The Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh commemorated the 75^th Republic Day of India on January 26, 2024, with enthusiasm and national pride.

2. The celebration at the Chancery premises commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Ambassador of India to Cambodia, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, followed by singing of the National Anthem of India.

3. Ambassador, thereafter, read out excerpts from Hon’ble President of India’s address to the nation. Hon’ble President hailed the 75 years of journey of India and remembered the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, last year and paid respects to the leaders and officials who contributed to the framing of the Constitution of India.

4. As India enters the Amrit Kaal, the period leading to the centenary of Independence, Hon’ble President urged Indian citizens to fulfill their fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution as these duties are essential obligations of every citizen towards making India a developed nation when it completes 100 years of independence.

5. Republic Day is an occasion to recall our foundational values and principles. Democracy implies diversity of culture, beliefs and practices. Celebrating diversity implies equality, which is upheld by justice. Freedom is what makes it all possible. The totality of these values and principles is what makes us Indian. Guided by the sagacity of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the spirit of the Constitution, imbued with these foundational values and principles, has led us invariably on the path of social justice to put an end to all kinds of discrimination. Tributes were paid to the life and contributions of Mr. Karpoori Thakur, champion of social justice. Mr. Karpoori Thakur has been awarded India’s highest honour of Bharat Ratna.

6. On the many conflicts around the world, Hon’ble President recalled Lord Buddha’s words “Not at any time are enmities appeased here through enmity but they are appeased through non-enmity. This is the eternal law.” and hoped that the regions embroiled in conflicts will find a peaceful way to resolve conflicts and bring about peace.

7. The address also touched upon the topics of successful hosting of G20 Summit by India, Women’s Reservation Bill, Chandrayaan-3 Mission, Indian Space Research Organisation`s solar mission, welfare schemes of Government of India, National Education Policy, Ayushman Bharat scheme, successful campaign by India at the Asian Games in 2023, LiFE Movement, Technological advances like artificial intelligence and machine learning among others.

8. Ambassador Dr. Devyani Khobragade greeted members from Indian community from the different walks of life, students and Friends of India and ascertained their well being. She thanked them for joining in large number on the occasion. Students learning dance through the Indian Embassy rendered a beautiful Bharatnatyam performance,curated by the Embassy’s dance teacher, on Vande Mataram the National Song of India. Ambassador distributed prizes, during the ceremony, to the participants who had performed Indian classical dance Bharatnatyam at 10^th Sea Festival in Kep Province. She also handed over appreciation certificates to the participants of Diwali function and Republic Day. All the guests joining the occasion enjoyed traditional Indian refreshments at the end of the event.