Consulate General of India, Birmingham organized a grand event at the iconic location of the Birmingham Town Hall on 15th August 2017, with support from the local Indian Community Associations to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Indian Independence. This event was attended by over 700 guests including Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriffs, Deputy Lord Mayor, Mayors, Parliamentarians, Members from the Diplomatic Corps, Members of business community, leaders of various religious faith organizations and well known British and Indian dignitaries among others. The celebration was attended by guests not only from Birmingham but also from other distant parts of Midlands, North of England and London. The event was supported by the Indian Community Associations of Midlands and North of England. It was for the first time ever that National Day of India was held at the prestigious venue of Birmingham Town Hall.

            The evening commenced with the address of the Consul General, Dr. Aman Puri followed by speeches of Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands, Mr. John Crabtree, Mayor of West Midlands, Mr. Andy Street(video message), Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr. Carl Rice, Mayor of Melton, Cllr. Tejpal Singh Bains, Founder of Warwick Manufacturing Group, Lord Sushant Kumar Bhattacharya, Member of European Parliament, Ms. Neena Gill, Pro Vice Chancellor, International, University of Birmingham, Proffessor Robin Mason.

            The cultural module was choreographed and curated by SAMPAD, one of the leading Institution which connects people & communities in British Asian Arts & Heritage. While on one hand school children recited a well known poem written by Rabindranath Tagore, there were mesmerizing renditions of Sanskrit Shlokas, melodious songs and lively dance performances. A truly memorable moment was when the whole auditorium stood up in attention and participated in a spontaneous chorus of the Indian National Anthem at the conclusion which left the gathering imbued with patriotic fervor.

            The three front facades of the Birmingham Town Hall were lit up with the National Tri-colour, which too was a first time occurrence, added to the mood & grandeur of the occasion.

Coming in close succession of the previous night's Midnight Independence Walk (attended by over 200 persons despite drizzle) & the morning flag hoisting at the Chancery premises, the final evening event was really a fitting finale to the celebration.

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