Celebrating India’s 78 years of Independence
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
A journey of pride and progress
Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India
On the eve of Independence Day, I extend my greetings to all Indians. August 15, etched in our collective memory, recalls the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who secured our independence 78 years ago. After regaining freedom, India adopted democracy with universal adult franchise, reflecting our ancient republican ethos. Our Constitution, built on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, remains our foundation. We also remember the victims of Partition on Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas.
Since 1947, India has made extraordinary progress. With 6.5% GDP growth last fiscal, we are the fastest-growing major economy, aided by reforms, good governance, and the hard work of our people. Welfare schemes have lifted millions from poverty, reduced inequality, and balanced regional growth. Infrastructure has expanded through highways under Bharatmala, modernised railways including the Kashmir valley link, and increased metro rail coverage. Jal Jeevan Mission is extending tap water to rural homes, and Ayushman Bharat has provided healthcare to over 55 crore people, now including all citizens aged 70 and above.
India’s digital revolution has brought 4G to nearly all villages, made the nation a leader in global online transactions, and enabled direct benefit transfers. The India-AI Mission aims to build models for national needs and make India a global AI hub by 2047. The spirit of Swadeshi, honoured each National Handloom Day, continues in Make-inIndia and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Youth, women, and historically marginalised communities will lead us to a developed India by 2047. The National Education Policy, entrepreneurial growth, space achievements like Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS mission, and sports successes - including chess dominance - reflect this progress. Women are breaking barriers, with initiatives such as Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
This year, terrorism struck in Kashmir. India responded with Operation Sindoor, destroying terrorist hubs across the border with strategic clarity and technical capability. The operation also proved Atmanirbhar Bharat’s strength in defence manufacturing. Let us unite against corruption, protect the environment, and work for a prosperous, inclusive future.
Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!
Unity, progress and friendship
Mr. Vinod K Jacob, Indian Ambassador
I wish the readers of The Daily Tribune a very Happy Independence Day of India 2025. Today is important for all the 1.4 billion Indians and Indian origin persons all over the world, including in particular, the 3.4 lakh Indians living here in the friendly Kingdom of Bahrain. You are an important stakeholder in the robust India-Bahrain bilateral relationship. Let me take this opportunity to convey my appreciation for all your support and contributions to the strength and depth of the bilateral engagement in the spheres of trade, commerce, investment, people to people ties, cultural ties, education, creative arts etc.
I am happy to share with you that during the current year, there has been a momentous upgrade in people to people ties and cultural cooperation between India and Bahrain.
Most importantly, in July 2025, we launched the electronic visa platform for Bahraini nationals to travel to India. Several categories of e-visas are now available which I expect will make people to people connections stronger. Then in August 2025, we opened a new India Consular Application Centre at Bahrain Mall which will provide passport, visa and all consular services. On these occasions, as a mark of respect for our Bahraini hosts, I announced the start of the new steps through s o c i a l m e d i a posts in the wonderful and rich Arabic language. In addition, I have made an effort to speak on public platforms and in the media about the strength of the bilateral relationship in various Indian languages including Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Bengali, Rajasthani, Bhojpuri and Maithili.
We celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2025 with the theme “YOGA FOR ONE EARTH, ONE HEALTH” with a yoga session at Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam which saw the participation of more than 500 yoga enthusiasts including the Bahrain Yogasana team. During the Republic Day reception in January 2025, my Embassy organized a painting exhibition with exhibits from local Bahraini and Indian origin painters on the theme of India through my eyes. The second edition of the “India in Bahrain Festival” organized by my Embassy with Lulu Hypermarket Bahrain and Dana Mall to celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of India on was held in February 2025 at Dana Mall, Sanabis.
Over the course of the year, we have promoted the touristic, commercial, cultural and other opportunities available in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Jharkhand through my Embassy’s flagship “Focus State / Union Territory” initiative. During the Republic Day flag hoisting ceremony at Embassy on 26 January 2025, the Indian community witnessed rendition of patriotic songs by a visiting cultural troupe from Himachal Pradesh. On 15 August 2025, during the flag hoisting ceremony on occasion of the 79th Independence Day, we will have a cultural performance from our compatriots from Bihar and Jharkhand living in Bahrain.
In conclusion, let me state that I look forward to another robust year in India-Bahrain relations that is guiding by the far-sighted and long-term vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the Royal Family on the Bahraini side and His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India.
I also encourage all Indian nationals and people of Indian origin to live and work in Bahrain by following and respecting the laws and regulations of the Kingdom.
Freedom is more than a historic achievement
Shilpa Shamith Kunder
President, Mogaveers Bahrain.
As we celebrate India’s Independence Day, we, the Kannada community in Bahrain, proudly join our fellow Indians in honouring the legacy of those who fought for our freedom. This year’s theme, “Honouring Freedom, Inspiring the Future,” resonates deeply with us. It reminds us not only to pay tribute to our courageous freedom fighters, but also to reflect on the responsibilities that come with this hard-earned liberty.
Freedom is more than a historic achievement - it is a living legacy. As a vibrant diaspora, we strive to uphold Indian values of unity in diversity while fostering a spirit of cultural pride among younger generations. Through language, literature, and community service, we are shaping future leaders who are rooted in heritage and inspired to build a better tomorrow.
Our strength lies in staying connected to our roots while embracing the opportunities of a global future. The Kannada-speaking community in Bahrain remains committed to preserving our traditions, promoting education, and building bridges between cultures. We believe that every small effort - from teaching our children native values to supporting one another as a community - contributes to a stronger, brighter India.
On this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to contributing positively to both our homeland and our host nation, Bahrain. Together, let’s honour the past by lighting the path ahead - for India and for the global Indian community.
Jai Hind! Vande Mataram
Courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit
Ajith Bangera President,
Bahrain Kannada Sangha.
On this proud occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indians across the globe.
This day reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of our freedom fighters who gifted us the priceless treasure of independence. Let us honor their legacy by upholding the values of democracy, unity, and cultural harmony.
As members of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain, we carry the spirit of India in our hearts. Let us continue to contribute positively to both our motherland and the country we now call home. May we inspire future generations to stay rooted in their heritage while soaring toward progress.
On behalf of Bahrain Kannada Sangha, I wish everyone a very Happy Independence Day.
Jai Hind! Jai Karnataka!
This day is more than a memory
Jyoti Eshwar
Influencer in Bahrain, from Karnataka, India.
Honouring Freedom, Inspiring the Future Independence is not just a historic milestone; it is a living promise that grows stronger with every generation. As we mark India’s 79th Independence Day, we remember the countless hands that built our freedom - from the farmers who fed the nation to the leaders who ignited the flame of self-rule.
For the Kannada community in Bahrain, this day is more than a memory - it’s a bridge between our homeland and our home away from home. Every cultural event we host, every word of Kannada we speak, and every tradition we pass on is a tribute to the spirit of independence.
‘Inspiring the future’ means showing our children that freedom comes with responsibility - to respect diversity, to work hard, and to dream without limits. The story of India’s independence reminds us that no dream is too big if we stand united.
On this Independence Day, let us carry the tricolour not only in our hands but in our hearts, lighting the way for a future full of hope, courage, and pride. Jai Hind.
Not just a historical event
Nithin Shetty
Vice President, Kannada Sangha.
As we celebrate India’s Inde - pendence Day, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices that paved the way for our freedom. It’s easy to take for granted what we have not fought for, often realizing its true worth only when faced with its absence. Our freedom is not just a historical event; it is a living testament to the courage and resilience of those who dared to dream of a brighter future. This day is more than a celebration; it’s an emotional journey into our past, honoring the countless souls who endured hardships for the liberties we now enjoy keep protecting it.
We must share these stories with the next generation, painting a vivid picture of what it means to live in a society where rights are cherished and protected. Let us commit to nurturing these values, ensuring that the flame of liberty continues to burn brightly for all who come after us.
Jai Hind.
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