A group of students from various schools of Gulf countries attending the programme ‘Proud to be an Indian’ called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 30, 2014).

Speaking on the occasion, the President complimented Asianet News for this novel initiative aimed at familiarizing Indian students from the Gulf countries to the history and heritage of our great nation. He said the great ancient civilization of India has survived because of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance. The spirit of non-violence which helped us to acquire Independence is the essence of our civilization. Years of British colonial rule could not prevent Indians from rising again. India is today the largest functional democracy in the world.

The President appealed to the students to be proud to be Indians. He told the students that the whole world is theirs and they should be India’s ambassadors in whichever country they live in.

The students are in Delhi as part of Asianet News channel’s programme ‘Proud to be an Indian’ aimed to impart patriotism and interest in knowing India among Indians students studying in schools of Gulf countries.