The Indian expatriates in Qatar turned up in strength to make their nation's 67th Republic Day a memorable experience at a function hosted by their embassy.

The occasion commemorated India becoming a republic on January 26, 1950 and the Constitution coming into effect. Indian ambassador Sanjiv Arora hoisted the tricolours to the accompaniment of an impeccable rendition of the National Anthem by school children.

A marked and unique feature of this year's gathering was the presence of several uniformed sailors of the Indian Coast Guard Security (ICGS) vessel Sankalp, which is on a five-day goodwill visit to Doha.

While thanking the sailors for their presence, the ambassador said their presence at the Republic Day celebrations in Doha, which is thousands of miles away from their home land made this year's event in Qatar a remarkably memorable experience to the country's Indian expatriates.

While reading out the message delivered by the President of India Pranab Mukherji on the eve of the celebrations, Arora reminded the gathering of the hurdles and obstacles ahead on account of the extended but unexpected downturn in the global economic order. "However, expectations are that India estimated to record a 7.3% growth this year," he added while pointing out that the the contraction of oil prices has helped maintain external sector stability and control domestic prices. The industrial performance has been encouraging despite occasional setbacks, it was mentioned.

Recalling that there were too many challenges at different levels across the world last year, it was pointed out that no nation could remain an oasis of growth in such circumstances.

It was also mentioned in the address that the weak investor sentiments led to the withdrawal of massive funds from emerging markets, including India, which eventually also affected exports from several nations, particularly those like India.

Weather conditions too were not conducive last year. Some parts of India were affected by severe drought while the other faced devastating floods, said the ambassador.

While mentioning some of the achievements India made in the last few years, Arora specially mentioned such initiatives as Aadhaar, Digital India, The Pradhan Mantri Faisal Bima Yojana, Make in India and Start Up India programme, the benefits of each of which reached several millions of the country's population.

The address also highlighted the necessity of peace and impeccable law and order in achieving progress.

Before winding up the address, the importance and inevitability of innovative solutions in answering such critical issues as pollution, climate change, clean energy and above all the mindsets of human beings were also highlighted.

In the evening, a cake cutting ceremony was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel where a number of Qatari officials and ambassadors were others present.