Consulate General of India, Birmingham organised a cultural evening, "Vaisakhi 2017", on 29th April 2017, at the iconic building of Birmingham Town Hall. The event which came as a sequel to the earlier 'Lecture Series' on the Life and Philosophy of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji [organised by the Consulate on March 31, 2017], featured the famous Punjabi singer, Mr. Jasbir Jassi from India and three other local groups. The programme was organised as part of series of events planned to be held throughout UK this year as part of celebrations of the 350th 'Prakash Parv' the Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. As is known, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had attended the mega celebrations on this occasion at Shri Patna Sahib in January this year.

The cultural programme 'Vaisakhi 2017', was organised with financial support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and was co-hosted with the Birmingham Town Hall. It was attended by Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Mayors of Walsall, Solihull and Dudley cities, Members of Parliament, Member of European Parliament, Chair of Birmingham Town Hall, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Deputy Lieutenants of West Midlands, Councillors, Lords, former Mayor of Rugby, representatives of Council of Sikh Gurudwaras of Birmingham, Hindu Temples, various faith and community organisations including Sikh organizations.

In addition to the Welcome address by Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General, Ms. Anita Bhalla, Chair, Performances Birmingham Ltd. [Town Hall and Symphony Hall] also addressed the 425 plus audience.

The event was aimed to showcase the cultural aspect of Vaisakhi not only to the expatriate Indian/PIO/NRI community, in and around Birmingham, but also to connect with the younger generation, and more particularly with the British community as well.

Popular Punjabi singer, Jasbir Jassi, rendered a collection of traditional folk Punjabi songs along with some popular Punjabi songs. Three local groups also performed Bhangra [Gabru Punjab De], Giddha [Desi Divas] and Dhol [Dhol Blasters]. The event was hugely appreciated by the audience, and the Consulate received very positive feedback from the attendees. The event concluded by presentation of special mementoes to all the four participating groups by the guests of honour.

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