Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford attended a socially distanced ceremony to commemorate the huge sacrifice of Indian soldiers in World War II on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day and the 74th Indian Independence Day.
Numbers were strictly limited at the flag raising ceremony at midday at Cardiff Castle and only registered guests were allowed to attend so that new Covid rules could be observed.
The event had been organised by Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal and was also attended by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff Daniel De’Ath as well as senior officers from the armed forces and police including Brigadier Jock Fraser (Royal Navy), Brigadier Andrew Dawes (Army), Air Commodore Adrian Williams (RAF), Assistant Chief Constable ACC David Thorne and High Sherriff Andrew Howell.
The guests arrived for the brief ceremony at Cardiff Castle at midday and listened to speeches by the First Minister and Raj Aggarwal, the representative for the Indian High Commission in Wales.
The event was to celebrate the anniversary of Indian Independence on August 15th 1947 and but unlike previous years members of the public were not allowed to attend and the festivities, which normally includes traditional Indian music, dancing and food, were cut back to the bare minimum for health and safety reasons.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said, “It is important we recognise the positive relationship we have with India and events like this provide the perfect opportunity.
“During these difficult times in the midst of a pandemic, the way the Indian community has rallied around to support each other has proven incredibly heart-warming and reassuring.”
In his speech Indian diplomat Raj Aggarwal said, "It is important that we still take time to reflect on Indian Independence and great relationship between our two countries. It is also important to remember that today is the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, and we should take time to reflect on the 87,000 soldiers from the Indian army who died in WWII fighting for our freedom. And I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the community leaders to support and look after elderly vulnerable and needy during this covid pandemic."
