London is gearing up for the Indian independence day celebration, later this month. With India's independence day reaching 70, the year has been marked by the UK and India as the year of Culture. It was launched at a special ceremony at Buckingham palace in February, in presence of the Queen, Royal family, the Indian Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and other dignitaries.
The celebrations this month will officially start on 3rd August, with a ceremony in Bharaitya Vidya Bhavan, that will be attended by His Excellency Y K Sinha, High Commissioner of India to UK.
City Sikhs are working with the Grand Trunk Project on events throughout the country. They are also celebrating India's 70 years of independence at an event in National Army Museum on 9 August. This special evening opening will include live performances, talks, poetry recitals, creative workshops and delicious Indian food. They’ll be showcasing our extensive Indian Army collection through guided tours of the museum and bringing objects out of storage for a unique viewing opportunity.
The Grand Trunk Project has been developed in partnership with faith leaders, community activists and facilitated by the Faiths Forum for London. Seeking inspiration from the ancient and unifying Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road) which runs across the subcontinent, the City Sikhs Network is aiming to build common ground and open up a much-needed dialogue.
Trivium Events hosting a 'desh utsav' on the 12th August, at Bushey Academy, celebrating 70 years of Indian Independence, raising money for London Shishukunj (www.shishukunj.org.uk) and Sucheta Kriplani Shiksha Niketan - (sksn.org), a school in Jodhpur for children with polio.
On 15th August itself the Indian Journalists' Associations, also at its 70 years, are hosting a dinner for its members and supporters at St James' Hotel in presence of the British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler. The High Commissioner of India to UK, Yash Sinha and his wife Girija Sinha will join the function.
The theme of the evening and therefore the Foreign Secretary's speech will be "UK-India relations 70 years after Indian independence". This is meant to be an important address as it has been long since a British foreign secretary has spoken formally on Indo-UK ties in London.
On 20th August the High Commission with its community partners are hosting their annual celebration at the SKLP Sports and Community centre from 11am-4pm. Usually the embassy hosts a flag hoisting ceremony at the High Commission on 15th August that is open to people willing to attend, followed by a weekend full of celebration where communities are invited to participate. Besides London other cities also celebrate the occasion with much pomp and gaiety.
