The Indian Embassy celebrated its independence day in Seoul on Wednesday for its 7,500-strong expatriate community.

Indian Ambassador Vishnu Prakash commemorated the event by delivering the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation, after raising the nation’s flag to mark its 66th Independence Day.

“Two decades of steady economic reforms have contributed to improvement in average income and consumption levels in both rural and urban areas,” said Mukerjee, as quoted by Prakash.

“We need a second freedom struggle; this time to ensure that India is free forever from hunger, disease and poverty,” he said.

The light celebration at the Indian Cultural Center also featured numerous performances including a sitar, a traditional guitar-like instrument, recital and Kathak, a traditional North Indian dance. The all-day event was hosted by the embassy, ICC and members of the expatriate community.

Other performances included those by students of the ICC, a yoga demonstration, and a screening of the hit Bollywood movie “3 Idiots.”

The ICC also hosted a special photography exhibit featuring works by established Korean photographers who have traveled to the country. Banu Prakash, director of the ICC, also held Bollywood dance workshops for Korean and Indian children.

(robert@heraldcorp.com)