In 1967, I was exploring potential venues in London to attend the Republic Day celebration. I was informed that, with the support of India House and in collaboration with the Indian Journalists’ Association, Republic Day flag-raising ceremony is arranged at the Commonwealth Institute in Kensington.
On 26 January 1967, I had the privilege of attending the first Republic Day celebration in London. There were about 200 people present, mostly from India, though some had come from East Africa or Aden, all sharing a deep sense of "Indianness" in their hearts. The ceremony was very short, followed by light refreshments. On that day, two White police officers seemed rather amused, if not surprised, to see so many Indians celebrating Republic Day so far from their homeland.
Interestingly, there were no major community organisations in existence back then. By 1980, according to the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), there were over 500 community organisations.
However, this development came a few years after the large migration of Indians from East Africa. Significant events like the Kenyan exodus in 1963, the Ugandan expulsion in 1972, and the migration from Aden and Fiji during the intervening years contributed to the rise of these community organisations.
Indian Journalists’ Association
Indian Journalists’ Association or the IJA was officially established in 1947, with correspondents or representatives from Indian print publications such as the Times of India, The Statesman, Amrita Bazar Patrika, and the Deccan Herald. Among the prominent figures were stalwarts like Dr Shalvankar, Dr Tarapada Basu, Peter Pansey and a few others residing in Britain at the time.
I would like to especially highlight Dr Tarapada Basu, a Bengali and Indian nationalist who earned his doctorate from Sorbonne University, Paris. Though a Francophile, he remained thoroughly Indian, with his Bengali temperament always evident. In the 1990s, during one of Tony Blair’s press conferences, the topic of Jammu and Kashmir arose. Dr Basu didn’t hesitate to speak his mind, offering a candid and much-needed perspective on the issue.
My connection with this group came about through my acquaintance with Bishop Trevor Huddleston, whom I had known since my time in Dar-es-Salaam. Bishop Trevor Huddleston served in Dar-es-Salaam, but was deeply involved in the African Liberation Movement. His wife, Ethel, if I recall correctly, was from Tabora. As a young man of 24 or 25, I volunteered for the Anti-Apartheid Movement in Dar-es-Salaam, inspired by Julius Nyerere, who encouraged such efforts. I was also a supporter of the Tanganyika African National Union.
Let me provide some context about the situation in East Africa. Tanzania gained independence in 1961, followed by Kenya in 1963, and later Uganda. While Tanzania had the largest geographical area, Kenya, particularly Nairobi, became the primary hub for the African continent, attracting many European and American private companies, as well as international organisations. Uganda faced challenges, largely due to the forced union of four distinct regions during colonialism in the late 19 century. Kenya, on the other hand, had long-standing tensions, particularly between the Kikuyu and Luo, along with other tribes. Tanzania, however, was comparatively less divided along tribal lines, with its significant Muslim and larger Christian communities coexisting more harmoniously.
The greater stroke of fortune was Mwalimu (teacher) Julius Nyerere, who was deeply committed to non-violence and the peaceful use of power. His policies greatly inspired me and Bishop Trevor Huddleston served as my contact. As the years passed and I was at the University of London, I found that the next building over housed the SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies). There, students from all over the world, including Indians and Africans, would gather in a cafe and I had the opportunity to meet many of them. I reconnected with Bishop Trevor Huddleston, who encouraged me to undertake some small volunteer work. During that period, I met several Indian correspondent journalists and the Indian Journalists’ Association (IJA) became my point of contact. Although I was not a media professional, this connection provided valuable opportunities.
At that time, Bishop Trevor Huddleston was based in Stepney, not far from the university campus. When I visited him, his wife would offer me light refreshments, and we would exchange a few words in Swahili. When I arrived in Dar-es-Salaam in the 1960s and joined the Civil Service, there was a special incentive to learn Swahili language. Classes were offered at DA Girls' School, and achieving certain proficiency levels could result in a 3 to 4% salary increase.
India League
India League was founded by V K Krishna Menon. He was also the first High Commissioner of India to the UK after Independence. India League was affiliated with the Indian Home Rule League, which was founded by Annie Besant in London in 1916. Annie Besant was a remarkable figure, and her work was supported by various supporters, including members of the Russian aristocracy who backed her philosophy. In 1889, Annie Besant embraced the teachings of Helena Blavatsky, a Russian-born religious mystic and co-founder of the Theosophical Society. Besant became deeply involved in Theosophical work, engaging in extensive lecturing and writing. This commitment to Theosophy influenced her founding of the Indian Home Rule League, an organisation that sought to support India's struggle for self-rule and gain international attention for its cause.
While studying at Madras Law College, V K Krishna Menon became involved with Theosophy and was closely associated with Annie Besant and the Home Rule Movement. Known for his intelligence, and brilliance, Menon played a key role in helping Jawaharlal Nehru succeed Mahatma Gandhi as the moral leader and executive of the Indian independence movement. He also supported Nehru’s rise as the first Prime Minister of independent India. In 1928, he founded the India League as a lobbying group in the British Parliament, successfully turning British sentiment towards supporting Indian independence. He also served as a Councillor in the London Borough of St Pancras.
I became a member of the India League in June 1967, through my connection with Dr Tarapada Basu. At that time, prominent figures like Michael Foot, Bishop Trevor Huddleston, Lord Fenner Brockway, and others were actively involved with the India League, and some were also engaged with the Indian Journalists Association.
Back in 1962-63, Pandit Nehru had expressed his desire at a London event for a statue of Mahatma Gandhi to be placed in Central London, where Gandhiji had qualified as a lawyer and participated in public activities.
They approached several councils, but without success. However, thanks to Krishna Menon's influence, Camden Council became more cooperative. At just 31 years old, and through the encouragement of Dr Basu and others, I joined a discussion involving Camden Council, the India League and the India House. Soon after, the London Borough of Camden provided a prime location near Russell Square, at Tavistock Square Garden, for Gandhiji’s statue. The India League was responsible for raising funds, while India House became a partner in the agreement, committing to host two annual events every year, on Gandhiji’s birthday (2 October) and on his Nirvan Day (30 January), as well as maintaining the statue. This significant statue was unveiled by Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1968.
Every year ceremonies were held in the presence of the Indian High Commissioner, the Mayor of Camden, and the Chairman of the India League. I was privileged, to be the Chairman of the India League for 10 years, to attend these events until 2020-21. However, on 30 January 2024, I noticed that Camden Borough Council was not involved. Typically, the Mayor or Deputy Mayor of Camden Council participates in this ceremony. There might have been a notable reason for their absence. I kindly request that the High Commissioner to ensure that the ceremonies on 2 October and 30 January continue to be conducted in the presence of the Indian High Commissioner, Mayor of Camden and India League, so that we can uphold and continue this important legacy.
