The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan celebrated Independence day in London, which was attended by High Commissioner of India Navtej Sarna, the Mayor of Hammersmith Cllr Mercy Umeh; MP Virendra Sharma, Rt Hon Keith Vaz and Barry Gardiner; Joinder Sanger, Chairman of the Bhavan, and Padma Shree Dr John R Marr, Vice Chairman of the Bhavan and a large number of Indian community members. Speaking at the occasion the High Commissioner said, “The Bhavan is a not just a centre for Indian thought and culture in the UK, but also a keeper of values and ethos of true India. Values such as inclusivity, simplicity and truth and my deepest appreciation to the Bhavan for nurturing these values.
He went on to say, “70 years ago, there were many who questioned India's chances of survival, but India had proved them wrong because of precisely these values. This is an occasion to reflect and collectively thank the thousands of freedom fighters, not just the leaders of the freedom movement but also those who remained anonymous. People who sacrificed their lives, families, jobs and fought for freedom.
“It is also an occasion to thank the people who made India not just survive, but helped make it what it is today. The scientists, the soldiers, the farmers, the industrial workers, the hundreds of thousands who you see in old black and white photographs, wearing simple clothes and chappals working away tirelessly towards an ideal...Despite all that has been achieved and all that remains to be achieved, India is today a leading example. In all of human history, a democratic experiment of this level has never been done or succeeded. The economic success and prospects of India are now well recognised by most international organisations like the IMF, the World Bank. We have huge challenges of poverty, education and disease, but if we can’t face them with our resources, and our survival instincts, not many can..."
He also spoke about the huge India outside India - ie diaspora.“UK’s Indian community is a shining example of success. 1.5 million people, many of who came in difficult circumstances, made a new life and reached the very top in politics, economy, and in the professions like the doctors and the engineers. They are critical bridges in the relationship between India and the UK. India treasures these links, these bridges. The role of the diaspora in India’s development cannot be underestimated. When PM Modi was here, his gathering at Wembley underlined the strength of the British Indian community,” said HE Sarna.
High Commissioner Sarna also invited the Indian community to join him to celebrate India's independence day at the Indian Gymkhana (organised by the High Commission of India) on Sunday 21 August. On that day about 1000 people will be joining performing artist Jignesh Patel at the club's hockey pitch, to paint UK's largest Indian flag on a canvas, using wooden block. Every participant for this flag painting event will be receiving a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Record. The Chief Guest for this event is BJP MP Shazia Ilmi.
UK Asian Business Council that is promoting this event, will be donating all the money raised through this flag painting campaign to India's Swach Bharat initiative.
