From correspondents in Thimphu, Bhutan, 07:30 PM IST

Thimphu - Indians living in Bhutan Tuesday celebrated India's Independence Day with the national flag hoisted at its embassy here, a report Thursday said.

The Indian ambassador to Bhutan Sudhir Vyas read out President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's message to the gathering here, the Himalayan kingdom's national newspaper Kuensel reported.

Vyas said India's independence was recognised world over as one of the leading, well-known freedom movements, achieved entirely through non-violent means, and born of an 'idealistic spirit that sought freedom for every individual and every nation'.

'Every Independence Day reminds us of the struggles of the leaders, thinkers and the freedom fighters of every community and religion who devoted their lives to this noble objective,' he said.

Members of Bhutan's royal family and senior government officials attended a reception followed by a Bharat Natyam performance by Pratibha Prahlad at the India House auditorium in the evening.

Among those Indians at the flag-hoisting ceremony was 33-year-old Arun Thakur who has been working as a barber here for the past 10 years.

'The celebration reminds me of those people who fought for our freedom. I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. We are proud to be Indians,' he said.

Kharak Singh, a biology teacher in a high school here, who has been celebrating the day in Bhutan for the past 26 years, shared similar feelings.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)