Independence Day celebrations in Britain

London, Aug 15 (UNI) India's 60th Independence Day was celebrated here with gaiety and enthusiasm at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner Kamlesh Sharma in the Kensington Palace Gardens.

Mr Sharma unfurled the tricolour and singing of the National Anthem. Patriotic songs were sung by artistes from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.

Mr Sharma then read excerpts from the Address to the Nation on the eve of the Independence Day by the President A P J Kalam, to the assembled gathering.

He said that this was not only a message from the head of state addressed to the nation, but also was a tutorial which guided the public at large in conducting the affairs of state.

Referring to Pandit Nehru's 'Tryst with Destiny' speech, the High Commissioner said that the time has come when India has reached to final 'arrival point' for this tryst.

India has met many challenges but there are still many to overcome, he said, adding that India is progressing towards the goal of being a developed nation by the year 2020.

He also quoted from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort today, stating that in economic terms, India has made great progress.

Mr Sharma congratulated the one and half million people of Indian origin on their achievements.

He lauded the active role played by the Indian community towards strengthening the India-UK relations.

Mr Sharma emphasised that while Indians comprised just under two per cent of the total population of the United Kingdom, their contribution to the GDP was over five per cent. He also appreciated the fact that India has become the third largest investor in the UK.

The Independence Day was also celebrated at the Consulate Generals at Birmingham and Edinburgh.

In Finland, celebrations were held at the Indian Embassy in Helsinki.

The function was attended by a large number of the expatriate Indian community despite being a working day, reflecting the growing presence of Indians in the country.

The majority of the participants were IT professionals.

UNI XC SK KN2018