AN INITIATIVE designed to inspire Indian women was at the forefront of India’s Republic Day celebrations at an event in northwest London last month.
The group Inspiring Indian Woman (IIW), based in the UK, helped to organise the Republic Day event at the Zoroastrian Centre in Harrow.
Among those attending the Hum Aur Humari Bhasha event were the chief guest, mayor and councillor Nitin Parekh; guest of honour and MP of Harrow East, Bob Blackman, and the minister of coordination from the High Commission of India, Manmeet Singh Narang.
Other guests included councillors Bandana Chopra from Hounslow; Anjana Patel from Harrow; Dr Anwara Ali; Ramji Chauhan; and Krishna Kumar; Sardar Singh, who is president and director of Hounslow Chamber; and Kuldip Shekhawat, director of MA TV.
Blackman, who was awarded the Padma Shree civilian honour by the Indian government last month, was greeted with a standing ovation and presentation of shawls by guests.
Following the speeches, they enjoyed various creative performances included a yoga display by Indira and Dr Vishwanath Sharma; kathak dance recitals and a Mile Sur Mera Tumhara dance routine by Saranya Patil & Group.
IIW has been instrumental in celebrating India’s Republic Day in Harrow since 2016.
Damian Talbot