Need help of people of Indian origin to help eradicate poverty, says envoy to UK

The event at Indian Gymkhana, London, was held several weeks after August 15 because local authorities could give permission only for September 10.

India needs the help of people of Indian origin who have been assuming positions of power in various countries, high commissioner YK Sinha said on Sunday, hailing the contribution of the 1.5 million-strong Indian community in Britain.

High commissioner Y K Sinha unfurls the Indian flag at a community event to mark 70 years of India’s independence at the Indian Gymkhana in London on September 10, 2017. (HT Photo)

Speaking after hoisting the Indian flag at the Indian Gymkhana to mark Independence Day, Sinha said the role of people of Indian origin was crucial to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s objective of eradicating poverty.

Thousands of Indians converged on the sprawling grounds of Indian Gymkhana, established in 1916, for the annual community event. It was held several weeks after August 15 because local authorities could give permission only for September 10.

Besides Sinha, the event was attended by leading members of the community. A large number of organisations representing various Indian communities put up stalls and offered food and entertainment to the gathering.

Sinha said: “The Indian community in the United Kingdom has contributed immensely to relations between the countries. We are proud of what India has achieved in 70 years, but what is projected abroad is not always correct.

Members of the Indian diaspora have held top political and other positions in various countries, including Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.