The Indian diaspora in the UK came together to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day at the High Commission of India in London, marking the occasion with patriotic fervour and cultural pride.
High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami unfurled the national flag and read excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation, delivered on the eve of Independence Day. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Ramdas Athawale, also joined the celebrations.
The dignitaries felicitated special guests, including Mrs. Sukhjinder Kaur Lochab, granddaughter of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, the Ghadar Party revolutionary; Ms. Ananya Prasad, the first woman of colour to row solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean; and Mr. Yogesh Alekari, who rode an Indian-made motorcycle across more than 50 countries in Europe and Africa, covering 60,000 km in 220 days.
The programme also featured a series of inspiring cultural performances. Master Advait Iyer performed a soulful violin rendition of “Maa Tujhe Salaam”, while Richa Srivastava and Kirtirupa presented a graceful Kathak dance. The celebrations concluded with an energetic Bharatanatyam performance by Guru Geetha Sridhar and her disciples, leaving attendees uplifted and proud of India’s heritage and achievements.
