28 Aug 2018

The Indian community living in Francistown recently celebrated the 72nd Independence Day of India by hosting a cultural night.

The night was filled with dance and singing performances of mainly Indian songs and drama, showcasing the country’s history and culture.

The night kicked off with a group of seven Indian children singing the Botswana national anthem fluently to show their patriotism to the country they call their second home.

But a solo dance performance by Disha Kansara to a song titled Dil Hai Chhota Sa Chhoti Si Asha stole the show, as many invited guests cheered, danced and enjoyed the moment.

Kansara moved gracefully around the stage throwing around flower petals mixed with shining stars.

Not to be outperformed, a group of lady dancers comprising of lead choreographers, Santosh Gehlot, Reema Sharma and Sakshi Pattel had the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands with their dance moves.

In their nine minutes performance they serenaded the crowd dancing to various Indian songs such as Gallan Goodiyaan, Vachendi, Jimmiki Kammal, Galti Se Mistake and Guleba.

In his welcome remarks, Bharat Association president, Sumanta Sahu stated that they celebrated annually India’s Independence Day, which is observed on August 15.

He noted that India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Botswana after independence in 1966.

He said ever since then, relations between the two countries had been excellent as shown by numerous areas of mutual cooperation.

India, he said, had throughout the years availed scholarships to Batswana students to further their education in India.

He noted that every year, India availed at least 40 Information and Technology (IT) scholarship slots for Batswana. The scholarships were also extended to post graduate medical students, he said.

He also noted that India was one of Botswana’s biggest diamond markets.

An official from the Indian High Commission in Botswana, Dinen Bolodoi read the independence message from Indian President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind.

During the event, donations amounting to P10 000 were raised for flood victims in Kerala, India. ENDS