Kamalaksha Ameen
Bahrain, Jan 30: “We need to work together for the formation of a strong India. We have the responsibility of electing our representatives with caution," said Dr Kiran Bedi.
Dr Kiran Bedi, retired IPS official and social worker, was speaking at a programme held at the Indian club to celebrate sixty fifth Republic Day. The celebrations consisted of march, still pictures and band by the school children and drew the attention of hundreds of people gathered at the ground.
Indians who assembled at the ground in large numbers despite the cold climate, shared the joy of republic day thousands of miles away from their home country and displayed the love of their land of origin.
Anand Lobo, president of Indian club addressed the gathering and conveyed his best wishes on the Republic day. He then invited Dr Kiran Bedi and prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award winner Dr Verghese Kurien to the dais. While Dr Kiran Bedi hoisted the Indian flag, Dr Verghese Kurain hoisted the Bahrain country flag.
Dr Kiran Bedi addressed the gathering and explained the problems faced by the country in various spheres. She said that hers is a service free from politics and she raises her voice even when alone wherever she comes across injustice, corruption and problems. We have the responsibility of electing suitable people representatives, she said. She expressed her happiness at Lokpal law and lauded the part played by Anna Hazare to make that happen.
Dr Varghese Kurien praised the people who joined hands with him for the poor children for their education, expecting no publicity.
Dr Kurien who was awarded prestigious Pravasi Bharathiya Samman for the year 2014 was felicitated as a symbol of love, trust and appreciation with a shawl, garland and fruits. Dr Kiran Bedi also was felicitated in the same manner.
The band of Indian school played Janamanagana, Sare Jahan se Acha, Vande Mataram and such other patriotic songs and aroused the sentiments of the people.
A discussion programme was held with Dr Kiran Bedi while morning breakfast was served for the gathering. People asked several questions to Dr Bedi and obtained suitable answers.
The programmes such as these help keep the love of Indians towards the country alive even after living in the far off land for work. The efforts of Indian club are praiseworthy.