Human Rights Chief Commissioner Praises Indian Community Event

Members of Northern Ireland’s Indian community gathered on Saturday to celebrate 75 years of Indian Independence.

The event was organised by ImageNation NI, a local ethnic Indian organisation formed to help develop relationships between communities in Northern Ireland and sponsored by Andras House, a charity established by Lord Diljit Rana and local Indian businesses, Asian Mix and Namaste Belfast.

The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black and Bobby Rao, the first Indian cricketer to receive MBE. The Lord Mayor said:

“Our Indian community contributes so much to our great city, so it’s a real honour to have the opportunity to celebrate this important milestone with our Indian friends and colleagues through some of the finest Indian culture, dance and music. It’s my hope as First Citizen that as a city, Belfast becomes even more welcoming to people from diverse cultures choosing to visit and live here.”

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick praised all involved, saying:

“This event is an example of the rich diversity we have here in Northern Ireland, and I congratulate all involved. This event celebrates the Indian community here and the valuable contribution they make to life in Northern Ireland.”

The event was a cultural extravaganza with drums from Kerala Beats, Indian dance, music, and the aroma of sweet Indian spices served to the guests before the event.

Sanjay Ghosh, Founder of ImageNation NI said:

‘The Indian population in Northern Ireland is probably the smallest in the whole of UK, yet the love, vigour for India was very high. A big thank you to everyone involved in making the event possible, especially to the Honorary Consul of India Lord Diljit Rana to Northern Ireland for his support and to PRONI for helping the Indian community with the venue. As a local resident, I am extremely proud to be part of the city that is embracing, and welcoming.'