Washington, DC
August 15, 2003

57th Independence Day was celebrated at the Embassy residence in the morning of August 15, 2003. The celebration started with Ambassador Shri Lalit Mansingh hoisting the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem. It was followed by the reading of the Address of the President of India by Ambassador.

The celebration was marked by singing of patriotic songs by the local artistes. Mrs. Lalitha Srinivasan, a former All India Radio light music artiste and the boys and girls from the Jayamangla School of Music, Inc. thrilled the audience with patriotic numbers which were preeminently suitable for the occasion. The visiting Kuchipudi dancer from India, Mrs. Swapna Sundari also sang a song, which was highly praised.

The celebration came to an end after Ambassador gave away Academic Excellence Award to the Middle School and High School children of the Embassy personnel.

The Independence Day celebration was attended by more than 300 Indians including journalists, artistes, professionals, etc.

In the evening of August 15, the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Indian Dance Educators Association arranged a Kuchipudi dance recital by the famous Indian dancer Padma Bhushan Swapna Sundari at Montgomery Community College. Ambassador Shri Lalit Mansingh was the Chief Guest and it was attended by almost 200 people including American artistes, journalists and intellectuals.