The Indian High Commission organised the Republic Day celebration at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Friday 29 January 2016. It was attended by whose who of the community including Indian origin MPs and Peers.
The Chief Guest was PM David Cameron's Indian Diaspora Champion and Minister for Employment, Ms Priti Patel and this was the first public gathering the new High Commisioner Shri Navtej Singh Sarna addressed.
Speaking to the present guests, Mr Sarna said, “It is an honour for me to have this opportunity to greet such distinguish gathering. It was on this 66 years ago India and Indians gave themselves a consitution. It is one of the most complex and alive documents of a political nature in the world, besides being the longest constitution of a country. It was drafted after a thorough debate of nearly three years and therefore reflects the resilience and elasticity to handle every possible conceivable complexity that may rise and is just the document India as a federal democracy needs, so that every human being no matter which part of the country he belongs, which language he speaks, what religion he professes has an equal chance for actualising his potential...
“As India grows and develops we are only two mindful of the challenges that we still face. These are the challenges of development of providing education, health, security and employment to our millions. And sometime such challenges can raise doubts, they can weaken the best of resource and in such moments before looking forward, it is better to look back...
“There are greater vistas to explore and greater heights to still climb, but we have 1.25 billion people, 800 million people of which are still under 35. We have the strength and the energy to climb further. But in today's interdependent globalised interraletedd world, no nation can climb so, we need reliable dependable mutually beneficial partnership. And we cant possibly know better example of such partnership than the one that exists between UK and India. We are two countries and inextricably linked by history and are working together in every possible path or sectors of engagement...”
He also paid tribute to the Indian community in the UK and committed that the High Commision of India would work harder to keep this relationship between India and its diaspora alive.
Priti Patel, said: “The UK and India enjoy a longstanding friendship that is anchored in our own shared history, strong people-to-people links, democratic values and common interests. It is a relationship that continues to grow from strength to strength, supported by the talented, vibrant and successful Indian diaspora community in the United Kingdom.
“The enduring bonds between our people were highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to the UK, and during my visit to India last month, where I had the honour of meeting many more members of the Indian community and seeing first-hand the vast contribution they are making in all walks of life.
“The largest diaspora in the UK continue to make Indian culture a key part of British identity and remain a cornerstone of British life. Every day, I am inspired by the rich diversity and ambition in our flourishing community. The binding of the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy throughout history to the modern day shows what we can achieve through partnership and shared goals.
“Republic Day is a hugely important occasion where we can all reflect on our hard work, success and achievements so far, as well as looking to the bright and prosperous future. Today we are celebrating our vibrant culture, heritage and aspirations, and uniting as one global Indian community.”
The event concluded with cultural programme and sumptuous dinner.
