Indians mark culmination of elections

Some of the participants at the event. Right: Indian Ambassador Sanjiv Arora explaining some points to an Arab journalist. PICTURES: Jayan Orma

By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter

Indian ambassador Sanjiv Arora led celebrations to mark the culmination of India’s  16th general elections, at a special “Open House” at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) yesterday.

A large number of community members had thronged at the ICC premises  from early morning to watch the results of the general elections as well as to greet each other.

Indian embassy deputy chief of mission P S Sasi Kumar, first secretary Dinesh Udenia and other diplomats  were present on the occasion. Many prominent Indian community members, including Doha Bank Group CEO Dr R Seetharaman, Indian Business Professionals Network president Azim Abbas, ICC’s former president  K M Varghese, acting president Girish Kumar, and other office bearers were also present.

Addressing the gathering, the envoy said that it was an occasion to celebrate “the will of the people of India as they are keeping their tryst with destiny”.

“As we all celebrate the determination and strength of India’s democracy, we will all leave from here with renewed hope, renewed vigour and renewed enthusiasm for the future of our great country,” he said.

“What we are witnessing is the culmination of the 16th Indian general elections. It is a further forward march towards greater development, progress and glory of the country. It is another testimony of the phenomenal strengths and achievements of Indian democracy.

“This year’s elections registered the highest-ever voter turn out of 66.4% of the eligible 815mn  voters for a total of 543 constituencies all across the country. Around 16 states in the country had  registered higher turn out of female voters than male.We salute the Election Commission of India for successfully executing  a free and  fair election with  such a large population,” he added.

Dr Seetharaman said that democracy had won in the elections. He noted that a stable government would result in better economic conditions in the country and will send strong positive signals to the foreign investors. 

“The stock market is already responding positively and the currency is going to be strengthened further. Further political stability will result in an enormous amount of financial stability. Consolidation of rupee will help in further domestic development and growth and all these will contribute to the faster growth of the country,” he added.

Eman al-Marsooq, a Qatari environmental engineer working at Qatar Shell, who had come over to the ICC to participate in the function, said what she liked about the rich Indian culture was its diversity.

“Despite the different religions, cultures and languages you all come together. I am really impressed with the voting process. I believe that the momentum will  go on,” she added.

The Indian general elections, the largest democratic process in the world, was completed yesterday with the announcement of the results for the 543 parliamentary seats from every state and union territory  of the country.