Birmingham:Consulate General of India, Birmingham organised a grand event at the iconic location of the Birmingham Town Hall on 15th Augusy 2017 to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Indian Independence. This event was attended by over 700 guests including Lord Lieutenant, High Sherrifs, Deputy Lord Mayor, Mayors, Parliamentarians, Members from Diplomatic Core, Members of business community, leaders of various religious faith organisations and well known British and Indian dignitaries among others. The celebration was attended by guests not only from Birmingham but also from other distant parts of Midlands, North of England and London. The event was supported by the Indian Community Associations of Midlands and North of England. It was for the first time ever that National Day of India was held at the Prestigious venue of Birmingham Town Hall.
The evening commenced with address of the Consul General, Dr. Aman Puri to the guests followed by wonderful speeches by Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands, Mr. John Crabtree, Mayor of West Midlands, Mr. Andy Street(video message), Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr. Carl Rice, Mayor of Melton, Cllr. Tejpal Singh Bains, Founder of Warwick Manufacturing Group, Lord Sushant Kumar Bhattacharya, Member of European Parliament, Ms. Neena Gill, Pro Vice Chancellor, International, University of Birmingham, Proffessor Robin Mason.
The cultural module was choreographed and curated by SAMPAD, one of the leading Institution which connects people & communities in British Asian Arts & Heritage.While on one hand school children recited a well known poem written by Rabindranath Tagore, there were mesmerising renditions of Sanskrit Shlokas, melodious songs and lively dance performances. A truly memorable moment was when the whole auditorium stood up in attention and participated in the spontaneous chorus of Indian National Anthem at the conclusion which left the gathering imbued with patriotic fervour.
The external lighting of the three front facades of the Birmingham Town Hall with the National Tricolour which too was a first time occurance added to the mood & grandeur of the occassion.
Comming in close succession of the previous night’s Midnight Independence Walk & the morning flag hoisting at the Chancery the final evening event was really a fitting finale to the celebration.
