India's 60th year of Independence being celebrated in London

London, July 17 (UNI) London began celebrating India's 60th year of Independence with over 1,500 events in 'India Now'.

Launching the event, Londoners embraced the spectacular vision of the Taj Mahal being unveiled on a lovely sunny morning on the Thames.

India's captain Rahul Dravid became his country's cultural amabassador, seeing off the six metre high replica of the Taj Mahal, designed by Bijon Da Gupta and Suchi Chidambaram, on a cruise across the Thames past the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and St Paul's before docking by Tower Bridge.

Currently Britain's darling Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, accompanied by the Mayor of London Ken Livingston and famous Indian-born British actress Joanna Lumley, came to receive the Taj moored at Tower Bridge.

After being moored by the London Eye for the rest of the evening it will be relocated across London for the entire-month festival.

With an eye to encourage more business, investments and students from India, the festival is recognition of India's emergence as one of the world's greatest economic powerhouse.

Shetty, now the favourite Indian cultural ambassador in Britain, who came especially for the launch said, ''The 'India Now' season of cultural events taking place across London this summer is an apt reflection of the city's enriched diversity of ethnicities. London is a unique melting pot of cultures, providing a space for people from a multitude of backgrounds to come together and share with each other the wealth of their experiences.

''Cultural respect and encouraging a deeper understanding of Indian traditions through a celebration of diversity, art, dance and food is obviously an issue close to my heart, which is why I am delighted to be a part of these events. Celebrating India in London is an opportunity for all Londoners and visitors to London to see, taste, hear and experience some of the amazing gifts India has to offer.'' The Mayor said, ''India is an emerging economic superpower and also has one of the world's most important cultures. The 'India Now' season will be an opportunity to experience the richness of Indian culture and offers something for everyone. It will truly showcase the very best of modern Indian culture for Londoners and vistors alike.'' UNI