Djibouti expatriates celebrate Independence Day in Hyderabad

 Hyderabad: Natives of Djibouti, an east African country, who are living in the city on Monday celebrated their country’s 46th Independence Day, June 27, on the Osmania University campus.

Students of the country, which has French and Arabic as official languages, sang their country’s songs and danced to their favourite numbers.

Home minister Mohd Mahmood Ali was the chief guest of the event, while OU registrar Dr P. Laxminarayana took part as a special guest. The celebrations were flagged off by Nawab Mir Najaf Ali Khan, a grandson of Nizam VII.

Students expressed their joy towards India, especially Hyderabad, for providing them with opportunities in learning and for their friendly approach.

Hamze Ibrahim, of Balbala province, who is a second-year BCA student in OU, said: “Hyderabad has the best people, who are friendly and helpful. They treat us like their own and go out of their way to extend help.”

Dr Shaimaa of Integro Hospitals said, “Foreign students who are in our city should be encouraged. These students carry a message about our country when they return. This meet not only brings harmony, but also more commerce to the state in the form of education and medical tourism.”