Grant Thornton's Finsbury Square office and surrounding in London sparkled with the vibrant hues of Diwali on 7 November, enveloping attendees in the jubilant spirit of the festival.
The distinguished presence of Her Excellency, Ugandan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimisha Madhvani, added a luminous touch to the evening's celebrations. Noteworthy speeches delivered by Anuj Chande OBE and Lord Karan Bilimoria resonated deeply, imparting inspiration amidst a delightful backdrop of Indian delicacies. The ambiance, adorned with beautiful rangoli and glowing diyas, created a truly magical atmosphere.
Reflecting on the event, Anuj Chande said, “We were delighted to host our friends, clients, and contacts on 7 November at our London offices to celebrate Diwali and to thank them all for their support over the last year. Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil, lightness over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. In these troubled times for the world, Diwali brings some hope for peace.”
Lord Billimoria added, “Diwali, the festival of lights, represents the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. The lamps we light signify our hope for health, peace, and prosperity in the year ahead. With the global situation in such turmoil, the spirit of Diwali is ever more important. I wish you all a happy Diwali and a prosperous new year.”
The event served as a meeting point for dignitaries, clients, and friends from the UK-India business landscape, embodying the sentiment of "Atithi Devo Bhav" (the guest is equivalent to God). Indian companies play a pivotal role in the UK economy, both in terms of investment and trade. The 10th Grant Thornton-CII India Meets Britain report 2023 highlights the UK as a prime market for Indian businesses, underscoring the robust economic partnership between the two nations against the backdrop of recent global economic developments.
The Akshaypatra kiosk stood out, showcasing gift boxes in support of underprivileged children. This heartfelt gesture added a special touch, brightening their Diwali celebrations.
The event spotlighted the unity and joy of Diwali, underscoring the importance of UK-India collaborations. Anticipated UK-India Free Trade Agreement prospects, expected this year, signal further Indian growth in the UK. With the Indian economy poised to be the world's third-largest by 2030, two-way trade and investment between India and the UK are set to surge.
photo credit: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix
