CELEBRATIONS: Marking Indian Independence Day in Wales with (L-R) High Sherriff Heather Stevens, Lord Lieutnant David Beck Hon consul Raj Aggarwal, Mayor of Colwyn Bay Dr. Sibani Roy and Lord Mayor of Cardiff with children
CELEBRATIONS: Marking Indian Independence Day in Wales with (L-R) High Sherriff Heather Stevens, Lord Lieutnant David Beck Hon consul Raj Aggarwal, Mayor of Colwyn Bay Dr. Sibani Roy and Lord Mayor of Cardiff with children

India’s Honorary Consul to Wales Raj Aggarwal was invited to an official celebration of Indian Independence in Cardiff by the Lord Mayor of the city. He praised the contribution of the Indian community to the life of Welsh capital as crucial to the city’s development.

Councillor David Walker spoke about the important economic and cultural influences that benefited the capital as he marked India’s Independence Day on Saturday 15th August with the country’s Honorary Consul in Wales, Raj Aggarwal.

“People from India, in particular, have made a massive contribution to our city, in our economy, in our culture and in our communities,” said the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House celebration, which was attended by key civic and business figures.

“Whilst the Indian community is not the oldest established community in Cardiff, they are one of the largest.

“Not only is the community active but also willing to assist the council with the provision of local services, and as a result there are well-established links between the council and Indian community leaders.

“These contributions make our city the modern and vibrant Cardiff we all know. I feel it is particularly important that, as a city, we recognise these contributions.

“That is why it is important that together we can celebrate special events such as Diwali, and, of course Independence Day.”

Mr Aggarwal, who announced that India’s E-tourist visa was being extended to cover UK travellers with immediate effect, said: “The Indian diaspora are happily settled in Wales. They are highly successful, hard working and integrate well with the local community and are committed to success and prosperity of Wales.”

He described the event as “another fine example of how our Lord Mayor shows his commitment to support and properly recognise the values and cultures of the Indian community who call Cardiff home, thus making it such a wonderful and vibrant capital and international city”.

“The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukerjee and the High Commission in London send their greetings and best wishes to the people of Wales, as they are proud of the massive contribution you all make for the success and prosperity of Wales and India,” he added.