The Indian Journalists' Association (IJA) in the UK, that selected it's first ever woman President and Secretary team earlier this year, is hosting their annual dinner on 10th December at the Millennium Mayfair, Grosvenor Square. The theme of this year's dinner is 'Women at work: India and UK'.
IJA was established in London in May 1947 and is today the main hub for UK-based media-persons covering the India story.
The Annual Dinner has been a high watermark of the Indo-British diplomatic, political, economic and social calendar. Over the years, heads of state and government, members of the royal family, and business chiefs have graced the occasion. Distinguished guests have included former Prime Ministers on both sides – from Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to Clement Atlee and Margaret Thatcher.
This year the Chief Guest is Business Secretary Mr Mathew Hancock. Keynote speaker will be Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Ms Priti Patel MP. Other speakers will include Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities Ms Seema Malhotra MP and Baroness Zahida Manzoor.
The exclusive event that expects 250 guests from the crème de la crème of the diverse British society, will be attended by celebrities from various walks of life and will be covered across all major media outlets, including live coverage both in the UK and India.
Award-winning filmmaker Gurinder Chadha and actress Meera Syal will be sharing a stage at this event after nearly 25 years, when they collaborated on 'Bhaji on the Beach', in conversation with journalist-author Sathnam Sanghera. An exclusive dance performance will be held by the very well known Ash Mukherjee.
It will also mark the launch of the ‘IJA Yearbook’, a souvenir publication with profiles of women who have made a mark on the India-UK relationship over the years.
