Celebrating friendship and resilience: Israel's 77th Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi
The 77th Independence Day of Israel was marked with a vibrant celebration in the Capital, though the evening's conversations were largely dominated by the ongoing Operation Sindoor and India's commendable handling of the situation.
Addressing the gathering, Israel's ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, spoke with emotion and pride:
'Today we celebrate the 77th year of the miracle called the State of Israel. Why is Israel a miracle? Because, unlike any other nation, the Jewish people returned to their ancestral and indigenous homeland after over 100 generations of exile and reestablished our sovereign state. Israel is a miracle because it has survived countless attempts to eradicate it, generation after generation. Not only does Israel survive, it thrives — despite all security challenges, we have built a developed economy and a democratic, free society.'
He added, 'Israel is a miracle because, despite the traumas we have endured — including the atrocious and devastating terrorist attack on October 7 — we are still one of the happiest nations in the world, ranked number eight in the World Happiness Report.'
Highlighting the bond between the two nations, Ambassador Azar said, 'Israel and India share something profound: we sanctify life. No death toll will ever defeat us. We cherish life, we work hard to improve it, and we aim to make a difference in the world. Above all, we share a quest for peace.'
The chief guest of the evening, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reflected on the significance of the occasion:
'This is not merely a celebration, but an opportunity to remember the struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering resolve of the Jewish community. The relationship between India and Israel has stood the test of time. It is built on a foundation of mutual trust, shared democratic values, and a common vision for progress and prosperity.'
He also added, "The action taken by our armed forces two days ago under Operation Sindoor is a reflection of our policy against terrorism. India believes in unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence. We will take every possible step to ensure the safety of our citizens and to deliver justice to the victims."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
22 minutes ago
- Hans India
3.69 crore houses for rural poor sanctioned under PMAY scheme: Minister
Panaji: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar on Friday said a total of 3.69 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.76 crore homes have been completed so far under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin "giving a concrete form to the dreams of the rural poor". "With an ambitious goal of 4.95 crore houses by March 2029, we have already made remarkable strides. Each number represents a family sleeping peacefully, children studying in safety, and elders ageing with dignity," the minister remarked. Addressing the regional rural workshop under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin here, the Minister said: "When our villages prosper, Bharat prospers. Under PM Narendra Modi's transformative vision, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana embodies the true spirit of Antyodaya—uplifting the last person in the queue. A Viksit Bharat (developed India) is not possible without empowered rural communities." The Minister said the government is converging PMAY-G with flagship schemes like Ujjwala, Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat to create holistic habitats, not just homes. This is ensuring that every rural family has access to clean water, sanitation, and clean cooking fuel. The government's vision extends far beyond bricks and mortar. Through mason training programmes, the government is creating an army of skilled artisans in rural India. This is economic empowerment in its purest form - creating jobs, building expertise, and ensuring that rural youth become the authors of their own prosperity, he said. "We are exploring Green Housing, where environmental consciousness blends with affordable construction, giving rise to homes that care not just for families, but for the planet itself. Embracing Artificial Intelligence in beneficiary selection, where technology becomes the great equaliser—ensuring that it is merit, not influence, that determines who receives support," the minister observed. He further stated that the government was aligning its policy with the Sustainable Development Goals, connecting local aspirations to global responsibilities, so that every village contributes to the progress of humanity. It was also reimagining microfinance and turning it into a powerful bridge to link rural aspirations with real opportunities, "empowering people to turn dreams into achievements". 'As we step into the Amrit Kaal, it is no longer just about numbers—it's about quality, sustainability, and long-term impact. By embracing innovation, data, and inclusive financing, we can shape rural development. Every family that moves from a kutcha to a pucca house with effective convergence is taking a step toward national transformation,' he added. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, state Rural Development, Culture, and Sports Minister Govind Gaude, along with senior officials from the Central and state governments, were present on the occasion
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
32 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Pakistan attacked 'insaniyat', Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused Pakistan of attacking 'insaniyat' and Kashmiriyat by targeting tourists in Pahalgam, saying the intent was to trigger communal clashes in India and rob Kashmiri people dependent on tourism of their livelihoods. The prime minister was speaking after flagging off the first train service to the Kashmir Valley, and inaugurating several development projects, including the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river and India's first cable-stayed Anji bridge. He said tourism provided employment and acts as a connecting link between people, but unfortunately, the neighbouring country is an enemy of humanity, harmony and tourism. "Not only that, Pakistan is also the enemy of the poor's bread and butter. What happened on April 22 in Pahalgam is an example of that. Pakistan attacked 'insaniyat' and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. "The intent of Pakistan was to trigger communal riots in India. It wanted to strip people of Kashmir of their earnings, that's why Pakistan attacked tourism," he said. Tourism was increasing during the last five years in Jammu and Kashmir, and tourists were arriving in record numbers, Modi said. He said tourism fuels the kitchens of the poor in Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan deliberately targeted that sector. "Pakistan wanted to destroy the livelihoods of guides, pony operators, guest house owners, shop owners, and roadside dhaba operators who are dependent on tourism. Adil, who challenged the terrorists, was also there to earn his livelihood," he said, referring to the ponywala, who was among the 26 people gunned down by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22. The prime minister said it has been one month since Indian forces wreaked havoc on terrorists holed up in Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. "Whenever Pakistan hears about Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its shameful defeat," he said. Modi said the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project is a symbol of a new and empowered Jammu and Kashmir, and a resounding proclamation of India's growing strength. The Chenab and Anji bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir, he said. The prime minister inaugurated the two state-of-the-art bridges before flagging off the Vande Bharat train to mark the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL), providing direct train connectivity to the valley. He also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore for Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district. The 272-km USBRL project, constructed at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels, spanning 119 km, and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Israel Doesn't Speak For Us': Pro-Palestine Jewish March In Brussels Denounces Genocide And Zionism
Dozens of pro-Palestine Jewish protesters marched through Brussels to denounce Israel's actions in Gaza and reject the use of Jewish identity to justify the war. Demonstrators carried banners and staged symbolic die-ins to honor victims in Gaza. Many voiced frustration at Western governments and media for equating Jewish identity with Zionism. They condemned Prime Minister Netanyahu's motives, accusing him of using the war to maintain power and erase Palestinian presence. Protesters emphasized that supporting Jewish security does not mean oppressing Palestinians or enabling genocide. Watch Read More
