India’s 56th Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and splendour at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. January 26, 2005. Ambassador Ronen Sen unfurled the National Flag followed by the singing of the National Anthem by all those present. Ambassador then read the text of the President’s Address to the Nation to an audience of over 200, which included members of the Indian community from the Washington area.

This was followed by rendering of “Sare Jahan se Achcha” and “Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamara” by a group of children comprising Aneesha Joshi, Anuja Joshi, Ruhi Vasavada, Anjali Chatterjee, Radhika Gore and Aashay Joshi. They were accompanied by their teacher Mrs. Sushama Joshi on the Harmonium and Mr. Vivek Gore on Tabla. They received a tumultuous applause for their brilliant performance, which had those present sing along with them.

This was followed by rendition of national songs set in classical style by Mrs. Lalita Swaminathan (Vocal), Kum. Rajna Swaminathan (Mridangam) & Dr. P.K. Swaminathan (Kanjira) such as “Bharata Punya Bhumi” (in Tamil) “Jayati Jayati Bharata Mata” and “Maitreem Bhajata”.

Later, Mrs. Kalpana Sen gave away mementos to all the artistes.

Ambassador and Mrs. Sen hosted a Republic Day Reception at their residence at Macomb Street at noon on January 27, 2005, which was attended by over 350 guests from the US Administration, the US Congress, the media, the business community and people from other walks of life.