In Jerusalem, Dina Simata, a blind Indian immigrant, was one of the 14 people chosen to light the torch at Israel's 69th Independence Day celebrations. Simata, 19, a member of the Bnei Menashe community which hails from Manipur, is a student and volunteer at Jerusalem's Institute for the Blind. <br/><br/>A gifted singer, Dina leads a group of disabled children at the Shalva institute, where she volunteers, and has performed in the company of several famous singers.<br/>'<br/>Chosen for her contribution to the society, Dina in her speech thanked the staff of the institute for enabling her to achieve a meaningful existence. Israel celebrated its 69th Independence Day yesterday following a day of remembrance in the memory of 23,544 men and women who have died defending the nation and the pre-state Jewish community since 1860.<br/>