Members of all faith communities and Faith 2 Faith Cooperation Circle members celebrated 70 years of Indian independence and the contribution of British Indians to the UK. The British flag and the Indian flag were hoisted ceremonially with national anthems with a reaffirmation of pride in our identity as British Indians. A patriotic dance was also performed. The celebration coincided with one of the most important festivals within the Hindu calendar, Janmashtami, which included Hymns. Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is one of the most revered expressions of the divine in Hinduism. It is a day of deep spiritual renewal and an occasion to celebrate the rich persona of Lord Krishna, who manifested over 5000 years ago to dispel evil and spread the message of love, goodwill and universal brotherhood.
Whilst remembering the sacrifices of our forefathers during the struggle for independence, we commemorate those who lost their lives in the horrific violence during partition. We join in prayer for healing and hope in a world full of conflict and turmoil. Britain and India celebrate a multi-faceted, bilateral relationship based on shared values and common perceptions. The British Indian community offer a remarkable contribution to all strands of society, through active participation, especially in education, business and politics. As we celebrate our identity, we unite in solidarity to build a sense of community underpinned by mutual respect, resilience and justice.
