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.