The Indian Consulate in Toronto felicitated 66 Varishtha Yoddhas (veterans) from tri-services for their contributions to India on the occasion of Independence Day on Tuesday.

Under this unique program, the Consulate recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans of the armed forces of the Government of India and felicitates them.

Addressing the gathering, Indian Consul General Siddhartha Nath, who hoisted the national flag in the consulate, thanked the Indian community and friends of India for their contribution to strengthening Indo-Canadian bonds.

"It is an honour and privilege to felicitate 66 veterans who had contributed to the nation," he said.

He said, "Time has come for people to reflect on what can be done in the next 25 years to come."

"India is the fifth largest economy in the world and it is widely expected to remain one of the fastest growing economies," he said.

"India is providing a long-term opportunity to the world," he said.

He said India and Canada are 'natural partners'.

"India and Canada's strategic partnership has deepened and diversified in recent years," he said.

He said the people-to-people ties and cultural relationship between the two countries date back several years.

A large number of Indian diaspora members from different parts of Toronto, wearing traditional dresses, attended the event.

Speaking of women, Nath said: "Today, women are contributing extensively in every field of development and service of the country and are enhancing the nation’s pride. Today women hold a special place in our country by participating in fields which were unimaginable a few decades ago."

Nath said: "India has not only regained its rightful place on the international stage but also enhanced its status in the economic sector.India is playing a truly crucial and developing role in the international world. As the country represents two-thirds of the world’s population, we should seek this unique opportunity to take the initiative in decision-making in finance, policies, human development and fields that can advance India."

He added that the world economy is passing through a delicate stage, yet the government has been able to navigate through many challenges and convert these into opportunities.

"Our farmers have contributed significantly to our growth," he said.

(Reporting by Suman Das and Asha Bajaj)