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We have to banish poverty and illiteracy from our country – Independence Day Speech to the nation 2011

RS — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:55:04 +0000

In his speech to the nation marking India’s 64^th anniversary of independence, Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh acknowledges that a great deal has been achieved by India, but nevertheless, a great deal more work lies ahead!

From the Red Fort the Prime Minister addressed the 120 crore Indians to mark this historic day in the Indian calander. Key points throughout his speech included jobs for the youth, healthcare for everyone, progress made within his 7 years of office, new laws to guarantee every Indian their basic entitlements, reduction of inequalities, enhanced relationships with other countries throughout the world, strict action against allegation of corruption on any level, introduction of the new Lokpal bill now in Parliament.

During the address the Prime Minister congratulated the farmers of Indian on their record level of food grains. He confirmed that the government would continue to take care of their special needs and offer more support towards a second green revolution in the agriculture industry. In closing the PM asked Indians to have faith in their democracy and to have faith in ourselves.

Do you agree with the speech?

Are there other issues which he should have mentioned?

Please give us your thoughts on the Prime Ministers Independence Day speech, 15^th August 2011.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011

RS — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 15:15:07 +0000

Indian Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr Manmohan Singh confirmed that India is on target to hit a growth rate of approx. 9%. Addressing a packed hall at the Vigyam Bhawan where he was inaugurating the countrys ninth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The prime ministers speech was full of great content as he explained to the gathering of NRI’s and resident Indian about whats been happening during 2010 and what the government has in store for India in 2011. At the event which is organised by the Ministry for Overseas Indian Affairs on 8^th January 2011, the Indian PM continues to mention the fact that our youth population is growing and at present this figure stands at around 550 million under 35’s. More information shall be posted on this topic very soon.

Rajya Sabha Adjourned for the second

RS — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:25:43 +0000

For the second consecutive day, a determined opposition on Wednesday forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha till noon over the issue of price rise. As soon as the House met for the day, BJP members were on their feet demanding discussion on rising food prices under Rule 167, which entails voting. BJP Deputy Leader S S Ahluwalia said there should be a discussion followed by voting, a demand vehemently opposed by the ruling benches. Other opposition parties particularly SP, BSP and Left supported the BJP. Chairman Hamid Ansari requested members to resume their seats and took up the listed question. But, as the din continued, Ansari said, “We cannot have Question Hour under these circumstances.” Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan said the Government was ready for a debate on the issue and a short duration discussion was already listed for on Wednesday.

(Agencies)

Telengana Panel To conclude Consultations by July

RS — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:23:53 +0000

The Srikrishna Committee on Telangana issue has said it would wrap up consultations with key stakeholders by July this year and asked the Joint Action Council (JAC), spearheading the agitation for a separate state, not to boycott it. V K Duggal, member-secretary of the five-member Committee, who arrived here last night to put in place the necessary infrastructure for starting its work, said, “We will get enough material to give a balanced report”. Faced with JAC’s decision to boycott the Committee in protest against its Terms of Reference (ToR), Duggal hoped that responses would be forthcoming once the intent of the panel is understood. ”The proof of the pudding is in its eating. I am 100 per cent sure that when the people see the intention, even those who are boycotting…Once they see the purpose, I have no doubt we will get enough material to give a balanced report,” he said.

Asked how the Committee would take the views of those who are boycotting, Duggal said, “The voices will be counted as good response has already come. ”We have received 50 memoranda so far since February 20 when the public notice was issued. It is your option. I cannot force you. Once the intent of the Committee is known, the responses will be forthcoming,” he said. A fresh public notice could also be issued, with the approval of the Chairman of the Committee, Justice B N Srikrishna, for seeking responses, he said. The Committee will start holding consulations with various groups and political parties from the middle of next month in Hyderabad and other places in the state on the issue of a separate Telangana state.

(Agencies)

Congress General Secretary is NRI Achiever 2010

RS — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:01:38 +0000

Avtar Sandhu MBE was asked to attend the 2010′s NRI Achievers awards (Non Resident Indian) in New Delhi in January. He was awarded the award in recognition for his contributions to politics and for being elected as the first Indian Conservative elected onto Kent County Council.

NRI Achiever Avtar Sandhu being presented the award in New Delhi By Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea

India’s 60th Republic Day 2010

RS — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:31:14 +0000

India's Republic Day Parade

Indians across the world all celebrated India’s Republic Day. Even though security was extra tight in New Delhi, the parade, the dignitaries and the India’s policy makers all attending this historic day in India’s history. Within the past 60 years, India has struggled through various political and economic difficulties, but, she as always still comes out smiling. This morning here in the UK, Overseas Congress Secretary General, Mr Avtar Sandhu MBE praised the work of Indians all over the world for their patriotism towards mother India. He said ” I would like to praise the patients, determination and enthusiasm of Indian’s all over the world. No one person can develop a nation the size of India, one thing Indians have always been proud of is our determination. Many governments have come and gone in the past 60 years, but this government has developed India the most. I would like to congratulate ALL of Dr Manmohan Singh’s cabinet on the progression of this great nation. We have come a long way, but, we still have a long journey ahead of us, I am confident that once the journey ends our India shall be looked upon as a roll model. JAI HIND”. The celebrations for the 60th Independence Day of India continue all over the globe.

Overseas Congress meet Indian High Commissioner in London

RS — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:51:25 +0000

Indian Overseas Congress Members at India House London

In December 2009, Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK Senior National President Mr Bhagwan Dass Badhan, Cllr Avtar Singh Sandhu MBE (National General Secretary) and Indian Overseas Youth Congress UK’s General Secretary Mr Ragbhir Singh Sandhu, had a meeting with the new Indian High Commissioner to London H.E. Mr Nalin Surie at Indian House Aldwych.

The meeting was as an introduction in which the oldest Congress Organisation within the UK weas introduced to the High Commissioner, in addition to the history of the organisation, the High Commissioner was pleased to meet the members of the Indian Overseas Congress and our Congress Party look forward to working closely with India House.

In a joint statement, Senior President Mr Badhan and Congress National General Secretary, Mr Avtar Sandhu MBE said ” The meeting was very productive, positive and encouraging. The High Commissioner was very welcoming and our organisation is keen to work with the High Commissioner to build on the future by Strengthening the relations between the UK and India. We look forward to the High Commissioner attending our events accross the UK, we are keen to show him the successful operation of the Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK and its branches and members over the country.

Congress General Secretary receives honour

RS — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:16:53 +0000

Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK’s national General Secretary, Cllr Avtar Singh Sandhu, was today at Buckingham Palace to receive his Memeber of the British Empire Medal (MBE). Mr Sandhu, 44 years old and father of two said he was honoured to have been recognised for his community work in North West Kent.

Since the sudden death of his father, late S Darshan Singh Sandhu MBE in 1999, Avtar has been committed to following in his father’s footsteps and in recent years British and Indian Politics. As well as being the first Punjabi to be elected onto Kent County Council, he is also General Secretary of the Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK. As part of his enhancement of relations and trade between Indian and Britain he has had meeting with Indian PM, Dr Manmohan Singh here in the UK and at the PM’s residence in New Delhi. Earlier today Mr Sandhu was quoted ay saying “ Today is a historic day not only for my family but for all Asians, I am honoured to be given this recognition by Her Majesty the Queen. I would like to urge more people form all communities to help each other and work together towards a better life for our children in years to come.”

Avtar Sandhu at Buckingham Palace on 4th December 2009

SE England Branch celebrates Independence

RS — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:58:01 +0000

London & SE England Branch celebrate India’s Independence Day

Members of the organisation from South East England gathered at Gravesend ‘Bassant Restaurant’ on Friday 18^th September to mark this historic day in the Indian Calendar. National General Secretary, Mr Avtar Singh Sandhu MBE, congratulated Indian’s around the globe. He praised the work of the Indian government on their proposals for India within the coming years. Having met Indian PM Dr Manmohan Singh at his residence in New Delhi, Mr Sandhu confirmed that India is ‘Going Places’.

SE England celebrates India's Independence

Branch President, Mr Gurdial Singh Rai MBE and Vice President Mr Atma Singh, reinforced the work of the government and remembered the freedom fighters that lost their lived during the battle for independence, they both went on to say ‘India is a country to be proud of’. Representing the Indian Overseas Youth Congress was National General Secretary, Mr Ragbhir Singh Sandhu from Dartford Kent.

The picture on the left shows some of the members present at the event in September 2009.

Tribute to Mr Balwant Kapoor (freedom Fighter)

RS — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:12:04 +0000

Freedom Fighter and extremely highly respected Mr Balwant Kapoor sadly passed away on Monday 7th September 2009 aged 81.

Mr Kapoor was the president of the Indian Overseas Congress – London. General Secretary of the Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK, cllr. Avtar Singh Sandhu MBE said ” Having known Mr Kapoor (uncle ji) over the years, he along with my late father, Mr Darshan Singh Sandhu MBE, was someone to whom I always looked upto. He was one of the greatest and highly respected Indian’s in the UK to whom we owe a great deal. Our thought and prayers are with the family of Mr Kapoor at this very difficult time”.

The funerel of Mr Kapoor shall be taking place on 11th September 2009. The programme is as follows:
12:30pm – Arrival of funeral cortege at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Hounslow, Alice Way, Hanworth Road, Hounslow, TW3 3UA
1:20 pm – Funeral Service at South West Middlesex Crematorium, Hounslow Road, Hanworth, Feltham TW13 5JH
2:00 pm – Path & Langar at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Hounslow, Alice Way, Hanworth Road, Hounslow, TW3 3UA
Flower and wreaths may be sent by 9am 11/09/09 to Lodge Bros & Barton, 116 Hanworth Road, Hounslow, TW3 1UG
Directions by Public Transport
Bus 111 from Hounslow East station and Treaty Centre goes to Gurdwara and the Crematorium.

Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact us.