Kuwait celebrates its National and Liberation Days

Monday, February 15, 2021

The State of Kuwait is a small country located in the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, etc. Large and wide sources of oil can be found here, for which Kuwait is mainly known for. The Kuwaiti Dinar, the currency of Kuwait, is currently the most valuable currency in the world. Kuwait has a rich and wide variety of flora and fauna including falcons, owls, migratory birds, date palms, etc.

The National Day of Kuwait falls on the 25th of February, each year. Most of the countries celebrate their National Day on the day on which they got independence but due to extreme heat on 19th June in Kuwait, the National Day of Kuwait is now marked as dated 25th February from 1963. This day is celebrated each year with vigour and enthusiasm. The Kuwaitis honour this day when their beloved country attained independence from the British. This day also marks the crowning of one of the most admired rulers in the history of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. He was one of the key figures in shaping and paving Kuwait’s way towards independence. He was a fully dedicated person, whose main intention was the liberation of Kuwait. He ascended the throne on this day, and served the country for one and half decades. This year, Kuwait celebrates its 60th National Day.

The Liberation Day of Kuwait falls on the 26th of February, each year. This day marks the day when the Kuwaitis were liberated from the Iraqi invasion. This invasion had a great impact on the economy of Kuwait. The residents of Kuwait, both expatriates and the natives, were left in a pathetic state of dilemma. But, the Kuwaitis have recovered from this invasion, through the support of many other countries.

The National Day of Kuwait has a great history. Initially, Kuwait was a small fishing village. Later on, Kuwait became an important centre of boat building. In 1756, the Al-Sabah family settled in the land of Kuwait. The people selected this family as their rulers, which is continued till date. For quite some time, there was peace in Kuwait. Later, in 1899, the Kuwaitis faced a great obstacle. They were given a choice – either to be ruled by the Ottoman Empire or to be become a British Protectorate. The then ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Mubarak, decided to be a British Protectorate. The rulers of Kuwait felt that a European protection would indeed be really helpful and beneficial for the country. So, in this year (1899), Kuwait officially became a British Protectorate. Thus, Kuwait received naval protection from the British.

Later, on the 19th of June, 1961, through the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Kuwait gained its independence from British rule. The efforts which were made resulted in this success. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah arranged for friendly negotiations with the British diplomats. Finally, the British agreed to let go of Kuwait as its protectorate. After this, a friendly negotiation was signed by the representatives of Kuwait and Britain. This negotiation stated that both the countries will share and maintain friendly ties but the Protectorate agreement would be completely disregarded.
So, through immense struggle, Kuwait celebrated its first ever National Day on 19th June 1961. Later, it was decided to change the date to 25th February because of the unbearable and extreme climate in Kuwait in June.

The National Day of Kuwait is followed by the Liberation Day of Kuwait. On August 2nd 1990, following a dispute over revenue from an oil field, Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait and Iraq started bombing Kuwait City. By August 8th 1990, the Kuwaiti government had been replaced by an Iraqi governor. International outrage at the invasion was widespread. Making no progress by diplomatic means, the UN Security Council gave Iraq a deadline of January 15th 1991 to withdraw from Kuwait. The deadline passed and the U.S. led coalition forces began their assault on the Iraqi forces on January 17th 1991, known as Operation Desert Storm. The Iraqi forces proved unable to resist the coalition forces, the ground war only lasted four days and the Iraqi tanks left Kuwait on February 26th 1991. This is why the Liberation Day of Kuwait is celebrated on 26th February each year.

India shares a great and uncommendable relation with the State of Kuwait. Until 1961, the Indian Rupee was used as the means of currency in Kuwait. India and Kuwait shares trade relations also. Kuwait provides a vast amount of oil and petroleum to India, and India, provides the Kuwaitis with large amounts of iron and steel products, electrical machinery and many more. Indians form one of the largest expatriate communities in Kuwait, numbering more than 700,000. The Kuwaitis have always been respectful to the Indian expatriates in their country. Thus, India and Kuwait share deep respect and honour to each other. India and Kuwait share a deep bond that can never be shaken. In the midst of trials and tribulations, they have supported each other a lot.

Normally, the National and Liberation days are celebrated with much enjoyment and excitement. But this year, due to the COVID – 19 pandemic, celebrations and gatherings have been stopped. People aren’t allowed to celebrate these days with the same enjoyment of last years. But, let’s hope for a better and brighter future.
Kuwait is a country that has crossed many big obstacles. Recently, the Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah passed away. This was a great barrier for the Kuwaiti government, especially during this pandemic. But, they have shown the power and courage to survive and move through these obstacles. Kuwait is also a country that helps many other backward countries. They have provided great sums of money, both for their people and also for other countries.
Kuwait, now, though an economically stable country, is always one of those countries, which lend a helping hand to others. Thus, I sincerely hope that may this National and Liberation Day, be a period of prosperity for the State of Kuwait.

Thank you.

HAPPY NATIONAL AND LIBERATION DAY TO ALL!!

Joel Reju Daniel, VIII-D, Indian Learners Own Academy