The Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh commemorated the 75th Republic Day of India at the Chancery premises on Jan. 26, with enthusiasm and national pride, in the presence of the Ambassador H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade. According to the embassy's press release, on the occasion, the ambassador greeted members from Indian community from the different walks of life, students and Friends of India and ascertained their well-being. Students learning dance through the Indian Embassy rendered a beautiful Bharatnatyam performance, curated by the Embassy's dance teacher, on Vande Mataram the National Song of India. H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade read out excerpts from Hon'ble President of India's address to the nation. Hon'ble President hailed the 75 years of journey of India and remembered the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, last year and paid respects to the leaders and officials who contributed to the framing of the Constitution of India. H.E. Ambassador distributed prizes, during the ceremony, to the participan ts who had performed Indian classical dance Bharatnatyam at 10th Sea Festival in Kep province. She also handed over appreciation certificates to the participants of Diwali function and Republic Day. Republic Day is an occasion to recall Indian foundational values and principles. Democracy implies diversity of culture, beliefs and practices. 'Celebrating diversity implies equality, which is upheld by justice. Freedom is what makes it all possible. The totality of these values and principles is what makes us Indian. Guided by the sagacity of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the spirit of the Constitution, imbued with these foundational values and principles, has led us invariably on the path of social justice to put an end to all kinds of discrimination. Tributes were paid to the life and contributions of Mr. Karpoori Thakur, champion of social justice. Mr. Karpoori Thakur has been awarded India's highest honour of Bharat Ratna,' the embassy underlined. Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse Kuala Lumpur: The Vietnamese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur held a Lunar New Year (Tet) celebration programme for the Vietnamese community in Malaysia on January 26. Opening the event, Ambassador Duong Ngoc Linh said that the annual programme is a special event for the Vietnamese community in Malaysia and abroad, showing the great attention from the Party and State to the community. Highlighting major achievements that the country has gained so far, the diplomat hailed the contributions from the Vietnamese community abroad in general and Malaysia in particular to this common success. He lauded the solidarity of the nearly 30,000 Vietnamese in Malaysia, expressing his hope that they will continue promoting this tradition. Within the programme's framework, Ambassador Linh presented certificates of merit to a number of members of associations of Vietnamese people for their contributions to community charity activities last year. Also on January 1, the Vietnamese Embassy in Bruinei organised a Homeland Spring progr amme for nearly 200 Vietnamese people in the country ahead of the New Year of the Dragon. Ambassador Tran Anh Vu briefed the participants on the socio-economic achievements of Vietnam and the progress of the Vietnam-Brunei ties last year. He called on the Vietnamese community in the country to continue staying united and promoting the image of the Vietnamese people and culture to Brunei and international friends. Participants at the event had a chance to enjoy art performances and traditional dishes of Vietnam./. Source: Vietnam News Agency