Indians and Ghanaians on Thursday converged at the Residence of the India High Commissioner in Accra to mark the 68th Republic Day. On this day it marks the anniversary of its constitution coming into effect on Jan 26, 1950.
The annual celebration included floats from the various Indian states and its defence and police forces. These display a rich culture and heritage of India.
Addressing a large Indian community in Ghana, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Birender Singh Yadav who read a speech on behalf of the President of India, H.E Pranab Mukherjee hailed India’s pluralism and diversity and said that the country has traditionally celebrated the argumentative” Indian; not the “intolerant” Indian.
He added: “Multiple views, thoughts and philosophies have competed with each other peacefully for centuries in our country”.
Mr Mukherjee noted that as the republic enters its 68th year, they must acknowledge that their systems are not perfect, stressing: “The imperfections have to be recognised and rectified”.
Touching on the Indian economy, he maintained: “Our economy has been performing well despite the challenging global economic conditions”.
“In the first half of 2016-17, it grew at a rate of 7.2 percent-same as that last year-showing sustained recovery. We are firmly on the path of fiscal consolidation and our inflation level is within comfort zone”.
Mr Mukherjee was quick to add: “Though our exports are yet to pick, we have managed a stable external sector with sizeable foreign exchange reserves”.
“Demonetisation, while immobilizing black money and fighting corruption, may have led to temporary slowdown of economic activity. As more and more transactions become cashless, it will improve the transparency of the economy”, he stated.
The Indian President observed: “Youth today are brimming with hope and aspirations. They pursue their life goals, which they perceive will bring them fame, success and happiness, with single-minded devotion”.
By Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh, African Eye Report
