The 70th India Independence Day was celebrated in Cardiff last Monday with an official ceremony at the majestic Mansion House in Cardiff which was attended by several dignitaries.
The Honorary Consul for India in Wales, Mr Raj Aggarwal gave a speech at the Lord Mayor of Cardiff’s official residence, saying that recent legislation passed by the Indian government would open the way for a huge increase in trade with Wales.
He said: “Prime Minister Modi has a very strong mandate of economic outreach, sustainability, and equality and all this will work in favour of Wales.
“Recent passing of the Goods and Services tax by the Indian Parliament is a giant leap towards improving the ease of doing business in India and this will benefit Wales hugely.
“When I was with Prime Minister Modi in London last November I extended an invite for him to visit Wales and I hope this happens in the near future.
And Mr Aggarwal added: “The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukerjee and the High Commission in London send their greetings and best wishes on this auspicious occasion to the people of Wales.
They are proud of the massive contribution you all make for the success and prosperity of Wales and India.”
Mr Aggarwal is the most senior Indian diplomat in Wales and is the official representative for the Indian High Commission in Cardiff. He hoisted the Tiranga Jhanda (Indian National flag) at 11am on the day and was joined by the several Welsh dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Members of Parliament Craig Williams and the Leader of the Welsh Conservative Party Andrew Davies, the Counsel General of Wales Mick Antoniw, as well as several Welsh Assembly members. Several other nations were represented by their Honorary Consuls, and the police by South Wales Police Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies. There were also various business and education leaders from the Indian community in Wales in attendance – in particular industrialist Mr Gupta, whose SIMEC company launched a multi-million pound power station in Uskmouth, south Wales a year ago, creating several jobs in the area.
Mr Aggarwal, made a moving speech in which paid tribute to the Indian community in Wales and their contribution to the country.
He said: “The Indian diaspora are happily settled in Wales. They are successful, hard working and integrate well with the local community, they are peace loving and law abiding and are committed to the prosperity of Wales.”
Mr Aggarwal took the opportunity to point out that new legislation passed by the Indian government would strengthen trade between the two countries.
He said: “Prime Minister Modi has a very strong mandate of economic outreach, sustainability, and equality and all this will work in favour of Wales.
“Recent passing of the Goods and Services tax by the Indian Parliament is a giant leap towards improving the ease of doing business in India.
“When I was with Prime Minister Modi in London last November I extended an invite for him to visit Wales and I hope this happens in the near future.
And Mr Aggarwal added: “The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukerjee and the High Commission in London send their greetings and best wishes on this auspicious occasion to the people of Wales.
They are proud of the massive contribution you all make for the success and prosperity of Wales and India.”
But Mr Aggarwal did call for more Anglo-Indians to join the police force so that they would be better represented in law enforcement in the region.
Mr Aggarwal added: “I know the constabulary would like more Indians to join the force and follow a very rewarding career.
The talented singer, Liza Mukhopadhyay, led the singing of the National anthem as part of the celebrations to mark the Independence day, and Raj Puri (pictured above) sang the patriotic Indian song Ae Mere Vatan Ke Logo - The People of My Motherland.
