Kathmandu: The Embassy of India in Kathmandu celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with the participation of members of the Indian community in Nepal, friends of India, Embassy officials and their families.

The celebrations began with the singing of Vande Mataram, followed by the hoisting of the national flag by the Ambassador of India to Nepal and the singing of the National Anthem. The programme also featured a broadcast of the address to the nation by Indian President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the 80th Independence Day.

NPR 82 million provided to families of 11 deceased personnel

On the occasion, the Ambassador honoured the widows and next of kin of 11 deceased personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and handed over Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) cheques worth a total of NPR 82 million.

The gesture was part of the Embassy’s Independence Day programme to honour the families of the deceased personnel.

Winners of competitions felicitated

The Embassy also felicitated the winners of various competitions organised to mark India’s 80th Independence Day.

The competitions included a painting competition on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat’, the Viksit Bharat Run, and an Inter-School Quiz Competition. Winners of the special edition of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz were also felicitated during the event.

Book grants announced for 22 institutions

The Embassy announced a book grant for 22 educational institutions and libraries across all seven provinces of Nepal. The initiative aims to enhance access to educational resources and support learning opportunities.

The celebrations also featured vibrant cultural performances and patriotic songs presented by teachers and students of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Embassy.

The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from the Indian community, friends of India, Embassy officials and their families, highlighting the longstanding people-to-people ties between India and Nepal.