INDIA NEWS

HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA, LONDON

PRESS RELEASE 15 AUGUST 2000

A series of functions were held at India House on the occasion of the 53^rd Anniversary of Indian Independence. High Commissioner Shri Nareshwar Dayal unfurled the National Flag to the accompaniment of the National Anthem. The High Commissioner then addressed the function which was attended by all the officers and staff of the High Commission. Copies of Rashtrapatiji’s address to the nation were also distributed.

2. This was followed by a special ceremony to honour outstanding British citizens of Indian-origin who had contributed to human welfare and to the strengthening of Indo-UK relations. In all, 12 persons, including Lord Parekh of Hull and several other recent recipients of the Queen’s Honours were awarded a ‘Videsh Samaan’ by the High Commissioner. (Complete list of awardees given below).

3. Patriotic songs in Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil , including ‘Mera Desh Bahut Mahan Hai’ and ‘Uth Jag Musafir’ were also sung.

4. High Commissioner spoke of the special significance of this Independence Day, the first in the new Millennium. He said that Indians all over the world could be justifiably proud of the country’s achievements in the last 53 years despite many constraints. He admitted that there were many tasks and challenges which still lay ahead, but expressed the sentiment that we were confident and committed as a people to face up to all of them. India, he said, was an upbeat story.

5. Present on the occasion were a number of distinguished persons including the British Armed Forces Minister, John Spellar who also addressed the gathering and spoke of the increasingly warm relationship between India and the UK, at all levels and in diverse spheres. He also praised the sterling contribution of the Indian community in the UK to British society.

6. The celebrations at India House culminated in a large reception by the High Commissioner for the Indian community in the UK and other friends of India. The gathering of about 700 prominent persons comprised representatives of different sections of British society, a cross-section of Members of Parliament, diplomats, the Indian community, business executives, scholars, artists and journalists.

‘Indian Achievers’ presented with ‘Videsh Samman’
on 15 August 2000 at India House

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