Wednesday, January 26 2005 14:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: Indians abroad marked the 56th Republic Day by taking part in flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes.

At a solemn function at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, the tricolour was hoisted by Indian Ambassador to China, Nalin Surie, who also read out President A P J Abdul Kalam's address to the nation, which highlighted an action plan for employment generation.

Despite being a working day in Beijing and the chilly weather, the Indian community, which is growing at a steady pace, participated in the function.

Later in the evening, the Indian Ambassador will host a reception for Chinese officials, prominent think tanks and other 'friends of India' here to mark the Day.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka held the flag hoisting ceremony at India House, but called off the regular Republic Day reception as the host nation marked the first month since the tsunami killed nearly 31,000 people on the Island nation.

In Pakistan, Indian High Commissioner Shiv Shankar Menon hoisted the national flag in the Commission premises in Islamabad and read out the President's message to the nation.

Diplomats and staff of the High Commission and their families also took part in the ceremony.

Later Menon held a reception at the Commission in which a number of Pakistani politicians, diplomats of various countries and journalists took part.