“15th August 1947.A day to remember. India’s Independence Day. Years of British rule came to an end. A nation was borne to lead its own destiny. Today, 71 years later India stands as a proud nation. Rich in history and deep in its cultural values. Economically a record unsurpassed by many nations across the globe. We salute the country and all its people whose sacrifice did not end in vain. Genuine Democracy prevails in one of the largest nation in the world. The way to celebrate this important day is to take pride in the contribution we all make to build a nation that can be an example to the rest of the world.”
Lord Navnit Dholakia PC,OBE,DL,
Deputy Leader, Liberal Democrats
It gives me great pleasure in extending my warmest congratulations to all Asian Voice readers who are celebrating India’s Independence Day this year.
India’s Independence Day is the perfect time to reflect on how far the world largest democracy and second most populous country has come. Britain is privileged to share a very special relationship with India, a relationship that is enriched with the cultural and historical links we share. Furthermore the 1.5 million British Indians play a key role in this special relationship with India, which is sustained very well by Asian Voice and its team.
As we mark India’s Independence Day, I hope and pray that the bond between our two great countries continues to grow in strength and prosperity.
Long may this special relationship continue.
Lord Dolar Popat
Indian Independence Day is the time that Indians across the world come together to celebrate one of the most auspicious and important dates in our history. On 15th August 1947 we all mark the date when India secured legislate sovereignty and embarked on a new chapter in its history. In the seventy-one years since, as the world has changed around it, India has grown from strength to strength.
India has emerged as the world’s largest democracy with hundreds of millions voting in elections facilitating peaceful transitions of power. The economy has grown and economic reforms have transformed India into a global powerhouse with businesses and investments spanning the world. The country’s culture is distinctive with Bollywood and our cuisine being amongst our greatest exports while our cricketing prowess is famous worldwide. Across India great strides have been made to improve healthcare, education, the environment and infrastructure. The rest of the world looks on with admiration at what India has achieved.
Anchored in its strong democracy, economic reforms and a vibrant culture, India is taking its place in the world as a leading power. As well as reflecting on the last seventy-one years of independence, today we also look forward to the future. India has a bright and prosperous future building on its strengths and as an outward looking nation keen to form new partnerships with the rest of the world. Here in Britain we look forward to strengthening our ties with India and the leading role our Indian Diaspora will play in taking that partnership forward.
Today is a great day to celebrate our past and plan for the successful future we should strive for. I wish everyone a Happy Indian Independence Day.
The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP
Member of Parliament for Witham
On 15th August 2018, I know all at Asian Voice newspaper and your readers will be marking Independence Day with pride and goodwill to all in India and across the world. I am proud that across India and in the global diaspora community, the progress of India can be seen in so many fields – from technology and science to arts, culture and education. At a time when we look to strengthen our trade and cultural relations between our two nations, we need to look at further ways to grow the ties and bonds between our nations and between the generations.
From poetry to music to history and to business, we have the chance to develop new ways in which India and the UK can continue to learn from each other and work together to create a stronger world based on stability, peace and prosperity. The vision and the leadership from across the community is part of that journey and that message.
I wish all a wonderful Independence Day.
Seema Malhotra MP
Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston
