The High Commission of India in London celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday 15 August with the ‘Suryapath Tiranga’ global relay of the Tricolour and a flag-hoisting ceremony at India House.
Hundreds of people from the community attended the morning event, which included renditions of the Indian National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, and ‘Vande Mataram’. A music and dance performance themed around India’s freedom struggle was also staged as part of the celebrations.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK His Excellency P Kumaran, hosting his first Independence Day celebrations since taking charge at India House earlier this year, spoke about the achievements of the Indian diaspora and the growing strength of India-UK ties following the implementation of the free trade agreement last month.
Paying tribute to the diaspora
Speaking to Asian Voice in an exclusive interview earlier, to mark the occasion, the High Commissioner said, “An anniversary such as this is an occasion for both celebration and for reflection. It is a time to celebrate our achievements as an independent nation, take stock of the challenges that remain and resolve to continue to work to make things better.
“To the Indian community in the United Kingdom, I would like to express my sincere appreciation. You have contributed immensely to the success of this country, while continuing to strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and the UK. That is something of which you should be justifiably proud. As we look towards 2047, we should continue to build on this partnership - in business, investment, education, science, culture and innovation. The future of the India-UK relationship will be shaped not only by governments, but by the people and communities who bring our two countries closer every day.
“On this occasion, I wish everyone a very happy Independence Day. May we continue to work together towards a future that is peaceful, prosperous and full of opportunity for both our countries.”
Felicitation of community members
During the programme, His Excellency Kumaran presented prizes to winners of the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’ online quiz and felicitated British Indian chess champions Shreyas Royal, 17, and Bodhana Sivanandan, 11, following their recent success at the 2026 British Chess Championships.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic to have won the British championship. I believe I am the youngest to do so and have been receiving a ton of support. Today, it’s a huge honour to be here and be felicitated at the 80th Independence Day celebrations,” said Royal, who was accompanied by his father Jitendra Singh, reported the PTI.
The High Commission also organised a Viksit Bharat run in London’s Holland Park on Saturday afternoon, concluding the day with more community participation.
On 22 August from 10:30am till 4pm there will be an open door celebration of Indian Independence Day for the diaspora, at the Navnat centre, organised by Navnat Vanik Association supported the High Commission of India and Indian organisations in the UK.
