Republic Day celebrations 2022

Republic Day celebrations 2022

 

This year India is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav which is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India & abroad who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is also an embodiment of all that is progressive about India's socio-cultural, political and economic identity.

The Consulate organised several events to celebrate the occasion. This year’s Republic Day was exceptional and was celebrated over two days. The celebrations started on 25th January with ‘Enliven with Yoga’ Session where the communities of Midlands & North England enjoyed this lucrative approach to yoga.

In the morning of 26th January, Consul General Dr Shashank Vikram unfurled the National flag followed by singing of the National Anthem. Address of the Hon’ble President delivered to the nation on eve of the Republic Day was read out by Consul General. Community Leaders, Diaspora members joined the celebrations at the Chancery.

The Consulate was also illuminated on this auspicious occasion with the spectacular Triclor celebrating 75 years of freedom, independence & symbolising the strength of our friendship & partnership.

In the evening, a grand Republic Day Reception was hosted at the Consulate. This year’s celebration was special as we are celebrating the 75 years of Indian Independence, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, under which series of events are being organised in Midlands and North England all throughout the year. The evening commenced with the inauguration of the exhibition on the Life & Legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose by Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands Mr John Crabtree and Consul General Dr Shashank Vikram at Consulate General of India, Birmingham to commemorate his 125th birth anniversary. The exhibition will be displayed at the Chancery premises for 7 days till 02nd February, 2022. This special exhibition showcases the journey & struggle of Great Netaji and is a reflection of the ideals & beliefs of Netaji in the contemporary times. Thereafter, Lord Lieutenant Mr John Crabtree delivered his key note address where he spoke on how West Midlands especially Birmingham is gearing up for the Comonwealth Games & how the India@75 celebrations can be an integral part of the event. Soon, the National Anthem of both the countries was played to which everybody rose as a mark of respect to their motherland. This was followed by an informative address Consul General Dr Shashank Vikram where he spoke about the various steps taken by the consulate for public outreach. He also deliberated on the achievements, success, goals of the Consulate and also highlighted the planned events under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The evening continued with patriotic cultural celebrations by the cultural troops. Punjabi music, Mohiniyattam & Kuchipudi Dance was well enjoyed by the community members present. Exclusive performance on India@75 by Ms. Arunima Kumar, leading South Asian dancer & Kuchipudi expert, showcasing graceful movements of dance, gestures, song & the best of Indian classical dance & art to global audiences was the highlight. Certificates of participation were distributed to all the participants. More than 120 members of the Indian community, local dignitaries, friends of India, members of local diplomatic corps, participated in the celebrations. The dignitaries included Mr. John Crabtree OBE, Lord Lieutenant for West Midlands, Mr. M.D. Alimuzzamal, Assistant High Commissioner, Bangladesh, Cllr. Amrik Jhawar, Mayor of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin, Mr. Paul Sabapathy former Lord Lieutenant, several Councillors, Deputy Lieutenants and other eminent personalities of British and Indian communities representing different faiths.