Muscat: The Embassy of India in Muscat celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and witnessed a grand community participation, as over thousand members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India gathered at the Embassy premises early this morning to mark the occasion. The ceremony commenced with a rendition of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram, performed by students of Indian School Al Maabela, setting the tone for a morning of national pride and celebration. Ambassador Prashant Pise unfurled the Indian Tricolour in the presence of community members and friends of India under the theme “Surya Path Tiranga”, an initiative by the Government of India featuring a global digital relay of the Indian Tricolour as part of the Independence Day 2026 celebrations.Following the flag hoisting, the Ambassador addressed the gathering and shared key excerpts from the Hon’ble President of India’s Address to the Nation, reflecting on India’s remarkable journey and aspirations for the future. A curated cultural programme showcasing the diverse talent enthralled the Indian community in Oman. The occasion also recognised the invaluable contribution of the Indian workforce in Oman, representing the diversity of India and symbolising the important role of the community in strengthening India- Oman ties. In the run-up to the 80th Independence Day under the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, the Embassy organised a Painting Competition, Quiz Competition and Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz, Photography Competition “India Through My Lens” and Phad Painting Workshop and “My India, My Story” initiative inspired by the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The winners and outstanding participants were felicitated, while awards were also presented to students associated with the Science India Forum, as well as academic and other distinguished achievers from various streams across Indian schools in Oman. The celebrations brought together many faces of the Indian community, its young achievers, artists, students, media personalities, professionals and Indian workforce united by their shared pride for the nation and our journey.As India looks ahead towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the Embassy of India, Muscat, joins all Indians in Oman and across the world in extending its warmest greetings and best wishes on this occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day.