The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London celebrated the 76th Republic Day of India last week with a set of patriotic performances by students of Indian music under the guidance of gurus at the cultural hub in the heart of the UK capital.
The songs, performed in different languages, showcased the diversity of India as also the vocal and instrumental talent being nurtured among British Indians keen to stay rooted to their heritage. Bhavan chairman Subhanu Saxena opened the proceedings with a Vedic mantra, followed by a series of reflections upon India’s many positive influences in the UK and the world.
“The Bhavan is just a drop of India on our soil,” said Labour MP Barry Gardiner in his address to the gathering.
Lord Navnit Dholakia, patron of Bhavan UK, and Deputy Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham Daryl Brown shared their views on the immense contributions of the Bhavan to London life.
“It is a great honour to be a patron of Bhavan because when I come here, I feel at home with my culture,” said Lord Dholakia.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami, the chief guest of the occasion, focussed upon the significance of Republic Day – which falls on January 26.
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He said: “The reason why we celebrate Republic Day, those of you who are connected with India and those of you who are British but are connected to the idea of democracy, must recognise the value that Republic Day provides India as a marker of the day that the Constitution of India came into force.
“The Constitution of India is a most remarkable document and I say it… as somebody who passionately believes it. It is that document that made us citizens, irrespective of who we were, who we are, where we came from, and what languages or practices we follow at our homes. It made every single person in India truly an owner of the country. That is a remarkable thing.”
