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.

 
Praful Patel, Shriprakash Jaiswal and Salman Khursheed were sworn-in as Cabinet ministers.  The other Congress leaders including Beni Prasad Verma of Uttar Pradesh, Ashwani Kumar of Punjab and K C Venugopal of Kerala became the new Council of Ministers for minister of state.
 
At the swearing in ceremony which too place at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, Prime Minister Singh said  “This is a minor reshuffle. We will do a major reshuffle after the budget session,” In addition to senior cabinet members at the ceremony, Sonia Gandhi was also present.

If you have any views on the cabinet reshuffle, or if you think other members should have been removed etc, simply complete the form below.

President Obama in India 2010

To an audience of politicians and business leaders as well as the world, president Obama said “India is not emerging – India HAS emerged!”.  President Obama also mentioned similarities between India and the US with regards to democracy, people and freedom. Although this is the first stop for him on his visit to Asia, president Obama took great pleasure in saying this is the longest visit he has done to any one single country since becoming president.

President Obama has secured a deal worth approx 10 billion dollar which will create approx. 54,000 new jobs with the US. He continued to say the USA’s relationship with India is a “Top Priority” and ensures the strengthening of this on a daily basis. During his Visit president Obama and first lady Michelle took part in the Diwali celebrations as part of their trip.

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)

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.

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

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.

Secretary General, Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK

In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh explained to the world how India is progressing forward and a vast range of sectors including IT.  He explained that each day approx 20km of roads and national freight corridors are also being developed in order to ease transporting of goods and the general infrastructureof the nation.  He continued to outline how India shall continue to meet and address Climate Change issues  through 8 National missions.  In his speech he explained how in J & K along with other North Eastern areas of India projects on Road, Rail and Civil Aviation have began, he also said that these projects would be “closely monitored”.  These were just some of the many key points in his address to the nation.

Here in the UK, Indian Overseas Congress (I) Secretary General, Cllr Avtar Singh SandhuMBE, passed on his congratulations and best wishes to Indian across the globe. Due to the downturn in the financial sector, this past year has been tough for India, but never the less India has come out on top. Due to the commitment by the government and with the backing of the people of India, our nation shall gain considerable more strength and become a market leader across many sectors. The Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK shall be celebrating Indian Independence Day across the UK and throughout its branches.

In an interview Avtar Sandhu said ” My father Late S Darshan Singh Sandhu MBE encouraged me into politics, he himself was a prominent figure within the Indian community in the UK and indeed India, it is a true honour to have been able to follow in my fathers footsteps”.