The Indian Independence Day on 15 August 2021 takes on an added significance for Indians around the world as it will mark the launch of the 75th anniversary celebrations, as well as 75 years of India-UK relations.
'Nation First, Always First' is the theme of this milestone year at the Red Fort in Delhi, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his traditional Independence Day address. Among the special invitees this year are the Olympians who won medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
In the UK, INS Tabar, which is docked at Portsmouth on England’s south coast as part of its joint exercises with the Royal Navy, will be taking the lead on the festivities with a very special flag hoisting of the Indian tricolour on board the Indian Naval ship.
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Here is a compilation of different ways for Global Indians to get involved in the Independence Day celebrations this year:
At the heart of this year’s festivities is the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, with a special web portal Rashtragaan.In to get Indians in different parts of the world involved first-hand by recording the Indian National Anthem.
Everyone is invited to record and upload their videos while singing ‘Jana Gana Mana’, with a compilation of the uploaded videos of the National Anthem to be aired on August 15. There are three easy steps to follow for this and then a fourth step offers a personal certificate of completion.
The total number of users has crossed millions already and you can also take part here: Rashtragaan.In
India’s Defence Secretary, Dr Ajay Kumar, has launched the website IndianIDC2021 as a platform to connect Indians from the world over to join in the celebrations.
For the first time, the platform will live stream the Independence Day Celebrations from the majestic Red Fort in Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree format.
The platform is freely accessible to all and provides updates and information regarding activities centred around the IDC 2021. The aim is to unite the entire Indian diaspora as if they were a part of the celebrations in person.
Around 40 events are being organised across the country by the Armed Forces and various other segments of the Ministry of Defence, including Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Under the unique web-based RSVP system, a QR code will be affixed on each invitation card to be scanned by the invitee using their smartphone.
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Healing Our Earth is hosting a Live Online Video session on August 15. Dhruv Chhatralia BEM will discuss with Eve Mendoza and Melissa Kapoor the beautiful qualities of a Bharatiya (Indian) from the Vedic scriptures and how we can incorporate these qualities in our lives to spread love, light and wisdom to the world.
The session will be broadcast to several countries around the world on the following webpages and can be accessed through: HealingOurEarth.Com; Facebook.com/healingourearth; or Youtube.com/watch?v=BvjrrQHR044.
IIW UK has a three-day event lined up at Facebook.com/InspiringIndianwomen
August 13: Sangeet Sandhya with Dharti Vasani and Darshini Joshi from 1400 BST
August 14: "BHARAT AT 75 – The New India ", A panel discussion and launch of an audio ‘A brief History of Indian Independence – (From the Mughals to the Mahatma )', written and narrated by teen authors Aarush Kumbhakern and Ayur Pulle. Chayaa Nanjappa, award-winning first-generation rural woman entrepreneur and Manoshi Sinha, author of the bestselling book 'Saffron Swords', an independent Researcher on Indian History and ancient temples, are among the panellists.
August 15 1600 BST: A talent show is to be followed by the launch of IIW e-outlet by Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman.
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The Overseas Friends of BJP UK (OFBJP UK) diaspora group is inviting everyone to the Indian Gymkhana in London for a flag hoisting ceremony followed by lunch.
In the US, leading Indian diaspora organisation Federation of Indian Associations - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will hoist the biggest tricolour at the iconic Times Square on August 15.
The first India Day billboard at Times Square will be displayed for 24 hours and the Empire State Building will be lit in the hues of the Indian tricolour. The day will end with a gala cruise on the Hudson River to be attended by top government officials, special guests and members of the Indian-American community.
The FIA is also launching a campaign focused on 'Unified Diaspora in America' to mark the 75th anniversary celebrations.