Greece sends congratulations to the "friendly people and government of India" - Independence Day celebrated in Athens

Greece has sent congratulations and well wishes on the 75th anniversary of India's independence from the British.

In a statement on Twitter, the Greek Foreign Ministry wrote: "Greece sends its heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the friendly people and Government of India as they celebrate Independence Day!"

The 75th anniversary of Independence Day was celebrated in Athens with participation of community members and friends of India at the Embassy. National Anthem was sung followed by hoisting of Tricolour by the Ambassador Amrit Lugun.

The Ambassador read the Address to Nation by Honourable Rashtrapati ji.

On this day in 1947, India officially became a democratic country—ending nearly two hundred years of British rule.

The lengthy struggle for freedom resulted in the birth of the largest democracy in the world.

Heroic freedom fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi, led the country’s independence movement. On August 15, 1947, the Indian national flag was raised for the first time at the Red Fort in Delhi.

The biggest annual celebration takes place at the Red Fort in Delhi, where the Prime Minister raises the saffron, white and green national flag in synchronisation with a 21-gun salute.

After the Prime Minister delivers his televised speech, a patriotic parade honors members of the Indian armed forces and police.

People also celebrate by flying kites—a longstanding symbol of independence. Indian revolutionaries once flew kites with slogans to protest British rule.

Since then, recreational and competitive kite flying have become one of Independence Day’s most popular traditions. Indians also commemorate the day by spending time with loved ones and hosting cultural programmes in neighborhoods and schools.

Happy Independence Day, India!

READ MORE: The contribution of the Greeks and Philhellenes of India to Greece’s Independence.