Indian Embassy in Beijing celebrates 73rd Republic Day, amid high COVID alert in the Chinese capital
The Embassy of India in Beijing celebrated 73rd Republic Day amid a high alert for both Omicron and Delta variants in the Chinese capital in view of upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. The celebrations were also held at consulates in Guangzhou and Shanghai. Cd’A Acquino Vimal unfurled the national flag and read out President of India’s message to the nation. This was followed by a short cultural program by the members of Indian diaspora and embassy officials. A skit “We The People: Conversations on Constitution” based on India’s constitution was also staged which highlighted the essence, importance & relevance of Indian constitution and the values enshrined in it. The project kickstarted during commemoration of Mahaparinirvan Diwas. A large gathering of members from Indian community could not happen due to COVID-19 pandemic related situation in Beijing as the city is on high alert for the upcoming winter Olympics. There have been restrictions on movements, observation of prevention and control measures and also prohibition on large gatherings.
The Indian diaspora could watch the flag hoisting ceremony live on embassy’s Facebook page. This is the third time the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the gathering of Indian diaspora for Republic Day functions in Beijing. The function was cancelled in 2020 due to a lockdown announced by China after the coronavirus broke out in Wuhan, last year (2021) it was restricted to staff and their families in view of the prevailing COVID-19 infections. This year Beijing is grappling with both Delta and Omicron variants for the past few days ahead of the February 4 Winter Olympics. On January 23, Beijing’s local government virtually sealed off Fengtai district which has over 2 million residents and ordered mass testing after one residential compound reported a number of cases. All residents should not go out of the district and get together, local officials said at a media briefing here on Sunday.
