Bandhan Group with support from Bedford’s leading community, charity, voluntary organisations and interfaith groups of Indian origin are delighted to be organising a free event to celebrate India’s Independence Day. Join us at Harpur Square in Bedford to find out more about the joint British / Indian heritage, whilst celebrating the positive and diverse contributions our communities have made across Bedfordshire.
To celebrate the event, several guests will be joining us including Her Excellency Ruchi Ghanashyam High Commissioner of India and Dave Hodgson the Mayor of Bedford Borough who will be opening the event.
Professor Gurch Randhawa, Deputy Lieutenant for Bedfordshire, Mohammad Yasin, MP and Meryl Dolling, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire will be attending the event. Professor Randhawa said “It is a privilege to join the celebrations of Indian Independence Day and acknowledge the enormous contribution the Indian community has made to Bedfordshire’s thriving and diverse population.”
To mark the occasion, there will be a variety of performances from 21st Century Education Trust, Sandhya Rao school of music, Nritham Dance Academy, NRI Music and Ananda Arts showcasing some of Bedford’s talent and cultural diversity.
- Schedule
- 7.15 am: Guests to gather at Harpur Square.
- 7.30 am: Introduction and keynote speech by Mayor of Bedford Borough (Dave Hodgson), Her Excellency Ruchi Ghanashyam High Commissioner of India and Deputy Lieutenant (Professor Gurch Randhawa).
- 7.45 am: Flag raising ceremony, Recital of National Anthems (Indian & British) and cultural performances.
- 8.15 am: Flag will be carried in a formal procession to the Old Town Hall, where it will be raised.
- 8.45 am: Serve free tea and breakfast at Harpur Suite.
- 9.15 am: Close proceedings. Flag will remain unfurled at the Old Town Hall for the whole day.
