As India was sleeping after a great celebration of the 73rd Republic Day marked by a historic flag hoisting atop Lal Chowk at Srinagar, Indian diaspora in England began their evening of celebrations, past midnight IST.
One such remarkable event was hosted by the fascinating Team of IIW [Inspiring Indian Women], online. A number of cultural performances of dance and songs marked the gaiety and splendour of the Show aptly titled as – ‘Maa Tujhe Pranaam ‘!
Padmashri Bob Blackman, Honourable Member of the British Parliament was the Chief Guest on 26th. He recalled the yeoman services of the Indian community in the United Kingdom across all walks of life and wished everyone a healthy passage through the pandemic period. Lord Meghnad Desai was the Chief Guest on 29th January. He spoke about the supreme sacrifices made by Kasturba Gandhi.
Guest of Honour, Pamarty Venkataramana, noted international Lawyer, award winning Poet – Philanthropist who famously won many court battles to safeguard the national wealth and treasures of India gracefully recited a patriotic song in Hindi and pointed out that variety, not diversity, formed the secret of India which is an ancient civilization with sacred principles of Santana Dharma forming core of the Constitution which was adopted on this day in 1950.
Guest of Honour, Mr Sanjay Kumar Second Secretary Coordination High Commission of India UK graced the occasion on both the days.
IIW acknowledged many individuals who give their time to spread love for Bharat Mata.
The Special Guests who attended on 26th and 29th Jan were,Shri Amarjeet Singh Bhamra (Secretariat All Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences Smt Sandhya Gandecha (Executive Committee member Lohana Community United Kingdom (LCUK)Lohana Community North London (LCNL) Senior Ladies Secretary) Smt Minal Jaiswal (Founder Indians in London organization),Smt Harsha Trivedi (BSNL),Smt Sarita Rahul, Kannada Organization ( Kaho ).
Among others was Dr Arpita Ray Founder trustee of Essex Indians charity and Sheila Maharaj ,who is a third generation Hindu Girmitya woman. Born In Trinidad Sheila settled in the U.K. and lives in London where she worked until retirement with Children, Families, and Older People. She has been active on various platforms and places promoting Hindu Ekta. She is a student of Swamini Atmaprakasananda of Arsha Vidya U.K.)
The programme on 26th started with National Anthem sung by 3 years old Riyaanshi.
Under #azaadikaamritmahotsav, IIW continued its celebrations by getting ladies especially led by Nivedita Singh, Cllr Pushpa Makwana, Divya Chari and Ruchita Brahmkshatriya to make huge Rangoli in various places like Croydon, Mahalakshami Temple ( East London) and the Highlight being massive Rangoli at Trafalgar Square.
Nearly seventeen ladies sent Republic Day messages from IIW which were later tweeted by the High Commission of India in UK. As the Azaadi Mahotsav continues giving a great sense of pride and value the sacrifices made for this freedom, the famous poem by our beloved Shri Rabindra Nath Tagore rings in our ears.
“Where the mind is without fear,and the head is held high,where knowledge is free.Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls.”
“Every Indian should now forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh or a Jat. He must remember that he is an Indian.” – Sardar Patel
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Good to know all the celebratory activities upon the 73rd Republic Day in London. One can visualise the passion, dedication and patriotism of our diaspora who contribute a lot to the UK Economy and are trustworthy employees in any organisation big or small
Great