Indian Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Ms. Latha Reddy hoisted the Indian national flag at the Indian Embassy this morning in front of a large gathering of Indians on the occasion of 59th Republic Day of India. The ambassador then read out the President's Republic Day eve address in English.

Children from MIS,Bangkok and members of the Indian Women's Club rendered Indian patriotic group songs in Hindi, Punjabi and Marathi. Jagjeet singhji and group mesmerized the audience with his rendition of Vande Matram and Asi hain bahche Hindustan ke. H.E. Ms. Latha Reddy also distributed books and chocolates to all the paticipants.

Meanwhile in New Delhi, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil unfurled the national flag and took salute of the armed forces here at the Rajpath marking the commemoration of the 59th Republic Day. President Patil was given salute by the marching contingents of Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary and other auxiliary civil forces during the parade commanded by General Officer Commanding of Delhi Area, Major General K. J. S. Oberoi.She became the first woman President to unfurl the national tricolour on the Republic Day.