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Persecuted Chinese hold protest in London

The alleged Uyghur genocide in China’s occupied East Turkestan is an illustration of the CCP’s atrocities on the Uyghur people…reports Asian Lite News

Members of China’s persecuted communities and rights groups staged a peaceful protest outside the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair, London on Sunday, where the Chinese Embassy was hosting its 74th anniversary celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Ahead of the October 1 PRC National Day, this secretive official function of the Chinese Embassy stated, “A gala dinner to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, attended by Ambassador Zheng Zeguang and other embassy officials.”

Attending the protest were leading activists and leaders of China’s persecuted communities and rights groups, including Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, Hong Kong Aid, Hong Kong Liberty, Stop Uyghur Genocide, Tibetan Community UK and Uyghur Community UK.

The protesters were heard chanting “No celebrations – China’s Dictators”, “No Celebrations – Genocides demand Justice”, “Free Tibet” “Free East Turkestan” “Free Hong Kong”.

Chinese officials were seen taking photos of the peaceful protesters.

The coalition of rights groups are now getting ready for their next annual protest, on October 1, when their members and supporters will join in from London’s Trafalgar Square to the Chinese Embassy.

After the protest, Rahima Mahmut, executive director of Stop Uyghur Genocide, posted on her social media handle, “This evening, officials from the Chinese Embassy marked their National Celebration Day with a dinner at the InterContinental Hotel in London. Together with our friends from Hong Kong and Tibet, we organized a small protest outside the hotel to emphasize that there can be no true celebration amid genocide and dictatorship.”

Tenzin Kunga, chairman of Tibetan Community, UK posted on X, “We made sure that our voices calling for #FreeTibet #FreeHongkong #FreeUyghurs echoed through the hotel doors to those attending the Chinese event. Our groups united in #resistance.”

The People’s Republic of China was founded soon after the Communist Party of China (CCP) defeated the Kuomintang (The Nationalist – Republic of China (ROC), now Taiwan) on October 1, 1949.

Former Chinese President Mao Zedong ordered his PLA troops to invade Tibet. Since the CCP came to power through brutal force, immeasurable atrocities and destruction have been committed by the Chinese regime, including tens of millions of people killed, the protesters claimed.

The alleged Uyghur genocide in China’s occupied East Turkestan is an illustration of the CCP’s atrocities on the Uyghur people.

Over 800,000 Tibetan children are forcefully being admitted in China’s ‘colonial boarding schools’ with the main object of annihilation of the Tibetan identity, language and culture, the protesters claimed, adding that Mongolians still cannot exercise their native language rights in Southern Mongolia, which is still under China’s occupation.

Since the CCP imposed their ‘National Security Law’, the fundamental rights of the people of Hong Kong, including the rights to protest and free speech, have allegedly been taken away by the Chinese authorities.

Consequently, several hundred thousands of Hongkongers have fled their homeland, the protesters claimed. (ANI)

ALSO READ-WHO Urges China for Transparency on COVID-19 Origins

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Lite Blogs London News Music

Captivating Yakshagana performance at the Nehru Centre

Yakshagana performance at the Nehru Centre London

An intensely captivating Yakshagana titled Devi Mahatme-Mahisha Vadhe was presented to a fully packed auditorium at the Nehru Centre recently.

Jointly organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence and KannadigaruUK, the program encompassed powerful performances by the artists of Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust which has been making efforts to preserve and promote this ancient art form in India and abroad.

Yakshagana performance at The Nehru Centre

After the traditional invocation at the beginning and opening words by the Deputy Director of TNC Sanjay Sharma, an uninterrupted rapturous 90-minute dance drama was presented that received a standing ovation at the climax.

The Himmela team (Patla Satish Shetty, Padmanabha Upadhyaya, Chaitanya Krishna Padyana) and Mummela team (Prof. ML Samaga, Chandrashekhara Poojary, Mahesha Maniyani, Prashant Shetty Nelyadi, and Mohana Bellippady) have mesmerised the audience with their high-powered performances.

Felicitation to artists by Captain Munish Chauhan of the British Armed Forces, Sushil Rapatwar of Sanskruti Centre, and Dr Lakshmi Vyas of Hindu Forum of Europe, followed by the vote of thanks by Ganapati Bhat of KannadigaruUK concluded the interesting evening. 

Deputy Director of Nehru Centre Sanjay Sharma at Yakshagana event

Post-event, Captain Chauhan opined, “The evening was nothing short of extraordinary, the musicians transported us to a different realm while the dancers conveyed the essence with grace and precision. The story of Goddess Durga’s valorous battle against Mahishasur serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal struggle between right and wrong.

It reaffirms our commitment to upholding the values of justice, courage, and righteousness in our pursuit of a better world. It resonated deeply with me as a military officer, as in the armed forces, we dedicate ourselves to safeguarding society and eliminating the forces of evil. It was a privilege to be part of this event and it has left a lasting impression on me.”

Malini in the Yakshagana
Mahishasura Mardini
Satish Shetty of Patla Foundation Trust giving concluding remarks
Vote of Thanks by Ganapati Bhat
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Lite Blogs UK News

Tech Prodigy Namia Joshi To Deliver Keynote Address

Namya will lead two sessions, on why game-based learning holds the key to social-emotional development, and building engaging game-based lesson plans…reports Asian Lite News

Namya Joshi, who has helped thousands of students and teachers around the world learn through Minecraft, will lead two sessions at the world’s biggest edtech show in London, which brings together more than 30,000 educators, innovators, and changemakers.

Namya Joshi, a 16-year-old Indian tech prodigy from Ludhiana, Punjab, will deliver a keynote address at Bett UK, which takes place at London’s ExCel Centre from 24-26 January 2024. Bringing together more than 30,000 educators, innovators, and changemakers, it is the world’s biggest edtech conference.

Namya will lead two sessions, on why game-based learning holds the key to social-emotional development, and building engaging game-based lesson plans.

Namya Joshi, already acclaimed as “Top Tech Savvy Student In India” and a global teacher at the age of 16, got hooked on Minecraft, realising that it can also be used as an education tool. Following her own #EachOneTeachTen principle she’s trained thousands of teachers and students worldwide on the power of Minecraft, makecode, Python and other ICT tools, using Skype, Teams, Zoom or Google meet. She has mentored and trained more than 15,000 teachers and students to create game-based lessons to be used in classrooms, and been a powerful advocate for girls in STEM. Joshi was named an official Minecraft Student Ambassador by Microsoft, attained top certifications from Adobe, and has also written a bestselling book, as well as given TED talks.

Namya was recently named a top 50 finalist for the 2023 Chegg.org Global Student Prize, which recognises the outstanding achievements of young changemakers around the world. In 2018, Namya won the National Minecraft Competition, and in 2021 she received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. She has also been nominated as both an SDGs For Children Ambassador and a TeachSDGs Ambassador.

Namya Joshi said:

“I am so excited to take part in Bett 2024, which for years has been helping drive meaningful change in education through technology. I can’t wait to connect with the global edtech community at the show, and exchange ideas on how video games can help children learn. I firmly believe that we all have knowledge to spread, and Bett is one of the most inspiring learning networks.”

Louisa Hunter, Bett Portfolio Director, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Namya Joshi to the Bett stage. At her young age, she has already displayed incredible creativity to change how students and teachers learn. Our aim each year is to provide a truly global meeting place for educators, changemakers, and the world’s leading edtech innovators to have inspiring exchanges and spark solutions to ensure students and schools everywhere get the most out of technology.

“With technology constantly transforming the education landscape, it’s imperative that diverse groups of educators, innovators, and students come together to learn from each other and chart the best path forward. In particular this year, we look forward to introducing our enhanced Connect @ Bett platform, which will make it easier than ever for the right people to connect with each other at the show.”

Bett’s 2023 edition brought together 600 edtech companies and 400 speakers from 123 countries. The 2024 event promises a host of new features, including TableTalks and Tech User Labs, which leverage Bett’s groundbreaking technology platform to enable educators to collaborate with peers and experts. The event will also provide a greater focus on inclusive education, with more on neurodiversity and special education needs and disability, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers to improve their edtech knowledge and purchasing expertise. Additionally, the programme will offer a deeper dive into AI’s impact on education. Bett 2024 will also see the return of the show’s three flagship prizes, the Bett Awards, Kids Judge Bett, and the UK Design Challenge.

In addition to Namya, Jason Arday, Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, has also been confirmed as a keynote speaker. He is the youngest Black person ever appointed to a Professorial Chair and one of the youngest people ever to be appointed to a full Professorship in Oxbridge’s history. More speakers are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Participants can register their interest for Bett 2024 online.

ALSO READ-Indian Edtech Funding Drops 48% in 2023

READ MORE-India’s Fintech Revenue to Hit $70B by FY30

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Films Lite Blogs London News

London Hosts Premiere of Bambai Meri Jaan

Taking the series to the global stage, the makers demonstrated how a local story like Bambai Meri Jaan has the potential to captivate audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative and exhilarating performances…reports Asian Lite News

The highly anticipated crime series Bambai Meri Jaan premieres worldwide on Prime Video on September 14. Ahead of its global streaming premiere, the team of Bambai Meri Jaan  visited London for the promotions and received overwhelming feedback from a packed house of esteemed filmmakers and media personalities, associated with BAFTA, Golden Globes and Screen Guild.

Taking the series to the global stage, the makers demonstrated how a local story like Bambai Meri Jaan has the potential to captivate audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative and exhilarating performances. Produced by Excel Media and Entertainment, and created by Shujaat Saudagar and Rensil D’silva, Bambai Meri Jaan is a fictional crime series set in Mumbai in the post-independent era. The high-octane series sets up a world where a righteous cop and father sees his family being torn apart by lost ethos, greed, and corruption, as his own son chooses a path of crime. Directed by Shujaat Saudagar, the series is available to watch in over 30 languages for audiences in 240 countries and territories, starting Sept 14. 

Seen in London for the premiere of Bambai Meri Jaan were Aparna Purohit, Head of Indian Originals at Prime Video, James Farrell, Head of International Originals at Prime Video, Producers Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Kassim Jagmagia of Excel Media and Entertainment, along with creators Shujaat Saudagar and Rensil D’silva, and the lead actors Avinash Tiwary and Kritika Kamra. 

ALSO READ-London Hosts Dubai Biz Delegation

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-Top News Dubai UK News

London Hosts Dubai Biz Delegation

UK-Kerala Business Forum organises an event at British Parliament to welcome Kerala-origin business leaders from Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

The United Kingdom-Kerala Business Forum (UK-KBF) extend warm welcome to a distinguished group of 50 Kerala-origin business leaders from Dubai who arrived in London on 11th September. This high-profile visit included a series of engagements, including interactions with British Members of Parliament at the House of Commons and a grand gala dinner.

The primary objective of this visit was to explore business expansion opportunities in the United Kingdom, capitalising on the vast prospects created by the post-Brexit business landscape. The delegation was led by Mr. Faizal A.K, Executive Director of Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Mr. Zainudeen P.B, Co-Founder and Group Executive Director at Hotpack Global Inc, Mr. Shihabudeen Thangal, Director of Tamim Chartered Accountants, and Mr. Riyaz Kilton, Chairman of Kilton Group.

Each of these accomplished business executives boasts a solid track record in their respective fields and is affiliated with the Dubai-based International Promoters Association (IPA).

The visit aimed to assist other Kerala business leaders in exploring opportunities to replicate successful models or seek partnerships for business expansion in the UK, spanning various sectors such as technology, technical services, advanced packaging, and accountancy solutions.

The UK-Kerala Business Forum, in collaboration with Mr. Virendra Sharma MP, played a pivotal role in organising this visit, facilitating interactions with UK MPs, and orchestrating a grand networking dinner in the evening. Key officials from the organisation, including Mr. Philip Abraham, Mr. Padma Kumar, Mr. John Pius, Mr. B. George, Mr. Sujit Nair, and Mr. Asheer Rahman, were instrumental in making the arrangements.

The visit was inspired by the remarkable success of Hotpack, a UAE-based company that manufactures and supplies food packaging products across various industries, including Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Pharma, and Construction. In 2016, Hotpack established its first European operations, H-Pack Packaging UK Ltd, in Wrexham, Wales, with a substantial investment of £50 million. Due to continued demand for their products, the company now plans to invest an additional £50 million in its UK operations.

“As a manufacturer and distributor of sustainable products, I am optimistic about the future of our operations in Wales” said Mr Jabir Mohammed, the Director of H-Pack (UK-Europe). During their visit to the UK Parliament, the delegation engaged with several MPs who offered valuable insights and assistance for setting up businesses in their respective areas. Notable MPs included Mr. Chris Philp, Minister of State for Crime, Policing, and Fire; Mr. Mark Pawsey, representing Rugby in Warwickshire; Ms. Sarah Atherton, MP for Wrexham; and Mr. Martyn Day, representing Linlithgow and East Falkirk in Scotland. These MPs emphasised the importance of manufacturing in the UK and encouraged businesses to explore opportunities in their regions.

All MPs also highlighted the recent visit of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to the G20 event in Delhi and the significance of the impending UK-India Free Trade deal. The visit to the UK Parliament was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Nimisha Madhvani, the High Commissioner of Uganda. She expressed her interest in inviting the visiting delegates to Uganda, highlighting the substantial presence of successful Kerala and other Indian businesses in the country. H.E. Madhvani also highlighted the substantial presence of successful Keralan and other South Indian restaurants in Uganda, serving Dosha and Idily.

“You feel at home in Uganda,” she said, underscoring the welcoming atmosphere and cultural connection.

Joining H.E. Madhvani were Mr. Mwesigwa Robert Rukaari, a visiting Ugandan Member of Parliament, and Mr. Jaffer Kapasi OBE, Honorary Consul General of Uganda in London. H.E. Madhvani shared insights into the ease of obtaining visas for Uganda and extended assistance for setting up businesses there.

The prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) at Pall Mall in London hosted the evening event, which featured a welcome drink reception, a sumptuous 3-course meal, networking sessions, presentations, and an award ceremony. Notable attendees included Mr. Virendra Sharma MP, Her Excellency Nimisha Madhvani, Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, former Mayor of Croydon, Dr. Biju Peringathara, President of the Union of UK Malayalee Associations (UUKMA) and award-winning motivational speaker Mr. Paresh Rughani.

During the evening event, speakers from both the UK and Dubai presented opportunities for businesses and start-ups in both countries. Several participants conveyed their congratulations and extended support to the IPA and UK-KBF for their future endeavours.

In recognition of their outstanding initiatives and contributions in their respective fields, IPA honoured five individuals with Business Excellence Awards during the networking dinner. The awards were presented by Mr. Virendra Sharma MP to the following individuals:

@  Ayyub Kallad, Chairman of Wyse Ventures

@ Adv Abdul Kareem bin Eid, Founder and CEO of Bin Eid Advocates and Legal Consultants

@ Jamad Usman, Founder & CEO of Emirates First Group

@ Hassainar Chungath, Managing Director of Waved Net Computers

@ Afi Ahmed, Chairman and Managing Director of Smart Travels Group

The business awards symbolise the commitment and dedication of these individuals to excellence in their industries, and their visionary leadership serves as an inspiration to the business community at large.

ALSO READ: Iconic Old War Office to Open as Luxury Hotel in London

ALSO READ: Punjabi Baithak: Punjabi Tapas Culinary Gem in Central London

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

Punjabi Baithak: Punjabi Tapas Culinary Gem in Central London

Covent Garden in London which is known for its vibrant culture and diverse dining experiences, has welcomed a new addition to its culinary landscape. The Punjabi Baithak, opened its doors on Friday, September 1st, 2023, offering a unique fusion of Punjabi flavours, tapas-style dining, and a charming atmosphere that celebrates Punjabi culture. An exclusive feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Opened by long time well-known local, Amrit Mann, Punjabi Baithak is a groundbreaking concept that transforms from a Punjabi Cafe during the day to a lively Punjabi Tapas bar in the evening. It is the very first of its kind in London. The restaurant aims to provide a delightful Punjabi gastronomic journey to its patrons, offering an array of delectable dishes for vegetarians and vegans as well as those who love their non-veg!

During the day, guests can also savour the essence of Punjabi brunch homemade parathas, tandoori wraps, set plates of Punjab Covent Garden favourites with naans, rotis or rice and a steaming mug of Desi Chai, along with cuisine with tapas-style treats such as Punjabi Masala Chips, Chilli Paneer, Mixed Grill. The daytime menu offers a perfect dining solution for theatre-goers, shoppers and working individuals wanting a quick lunch in or to takeaway.

In the evening, the atmosphere at Punjabi Baithak transforms into a vibrant bar grill setting where guests can unwind and revel in the lively ambiance. The drinks menu boasts an enticing selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including Punjabi specialties like Shikanjavi (a refreshing Punjabi lemonade), and the intriguing Laced Mango Lassi (it’s laced with rum!).  Special beverages have been sourced from the Subcontinent which went through a blind tasting selection process – they’re worth a try!  It’s the ideal place for a relaxed evening friends for a feast of options with sharing plates, sizzlers, and the opportunity to savour Punjab Covent Garden’s signature dishes.

Punjabi Baithak pays homage to the rich tradition of Punjabi hospitality. The term “Baithak” literally translates to “a place to sit,” and in Havelis (large Punjabi homes), it’s where guests would relax, be entertained, and enjoy the company of others. Musical Baithaks were also common; Punjabi Baithak also has a Basement Baithak – a space where The Beatles dined back in the 1960s!  The space still pays homage to them but is now a flexible private hire space, great for small parties, meetings, rehearsals, and small events at very reasonable rates!

This exciting addition to Covent Garden’s culinary scene comes 72 years after Gurbachan Singh Maan opened the iconic Punjab Covent Garden restaurant at 80 Neal Street, which his grandson Sital Singh Maan expended sideways, backwards and upwards. Now Amrit Maan, his great-grandson, has continued the family legacy with the opening of Punjabi Baithak next door at 190 Shaftesbury Avenue.  

It keeps the essence of the Punjab Covent Garden with its dark walls, family images and continues to celebrate Punjabi and British Asian iconic moments too, but with a focus on popular culture and more recent historic (pre-Y2K).  The more casual, lighter atmosphere is helped with the hard floor, high ceiling and neon lighting, and look out for the popular Punjabi sayings on the walls too. The two restaurants complement each other well.

Baithak literally translates as a “place to sit”.  The Baithak would often be a room in a Punjabi residence, like a haveli, where guests would relax and be entertained as they were wined and dined. The service at this restaurant is outstanding; attentive and helpful. The vibe is upbeat and relaxed. Decor items reminiscent of Punjabi heritage transports one back to a golden era gone by. The delectable menu offerings are splendid and evoke nostalgia of the subcontinent and especially Punjab. The food presentation is charming, flavours on point and portion sizes are generous. Very Highly Recommended! 

Amrit S Maan OBE
Punjabi Bhaitak Food- Chef Dheeraj
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Food Lite Blogs Restaurant Reviews

KOKUM – Modern Indian Dining in Dulwich, London

A meal experience at Kokum is simply extraordinary with service that is impressive, attentive and the vibe of the restaurant is luxe; decor is resplendent; dishes are plated and presented with aplomb while portion sizes are also generous. The flavours of the food and menu choices are amazing. An exclusive feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Kokum restaurant is the vision of Sanjay Gour and Simeron Lily Patel – the co-founders of the Michelin-rated and critically acclaimed Indian restaurants, Dastaan and Black Salt Sheen.

Leading the kitchen is the acclaimed and incredibly talented chef, Manmeet Singh Bali. He has worked at the highest levels in Indian cuisine settings as well as European and British cuisines. From The Head Chef of the famous Turnberry hotel in Scotland and the Ritz Carlton in Dubai to 11 years as Michelin starred Vineet Bhatia’s right hand man, Chef Bali now Executive Head Chef here at Kokum is highly reputed in the culinary circles.

Before co-founding his own restaurants, Dastaan & Black Salt – Sanjay had a very storied career in Dubai and London. He worked with Angela Hartnett in Dubai and she brought him to London to work in Murano. He was an executive pastry chef in many famous restaurants and hotels and then he tried his hand at Indian cuisine. Soon after, he was head chef in some of the best in London including the legendary Gymkhana. This was his final role before he left in 2017 to open the much-loved Dastaan and then in 2021 teamed with Simeron to open Black Salt Sheen.

Simeron’s passion for restaurants began at a very young age. At around the age of 6, she would construct fantasy restaurants using gym mats, cushions etc at home. Her toy ironing board served as the reception desk, and she would demand outrageous prices for a glass of orange juice!

Despite havIng multiple dietary restrictions personally, she developed a passion for food and restaurants from being exposed to this through her father who had a similar passion from a very young age and has always been involved in food and restaurants.

Chef Bali has developed a unique cooking style that combines classic Indian flavours with contemporary influences. At KOKUM, Chef Bali’s dedication to quality and creativity is evident in every dish he presents to discerning diners. He surely has created a menu with the bold flavours of quintessential traditional Indian cuisine but certainly with a modern new-age twist and unique ingredients. Highly Recommended!

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-Top News India News London News

India Day held in London to celebrate India’s 77th I-Day

Doraiswami  said that the role of the Indian diaspora is central to India’s success globally…reports Asian Lite News

A grand ‘India Day’ celebration was held in London to celebrate India’s 77th Independence Day as well as the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.

The event was held at the Navnat Centre in London and the people of the Indian diaspora took part in the celebration in huge numbers.

Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and several prominent members of the Indian diaspora attended the event.

“HC @VDoraiswami addressing the huge gathering of friends of India, PIOs and Indian Citizens in an event marking the 77th Independence Day of India at @navnat today,” the Indian High Commission in London said on X (formerly Twitter).

“Thrilling to see heartfelt pride in the successes of #India among Indians, Indian-origin and other friends in the UK. Stalls from all our States and all communities made this a truly #Indian celebration. Here and everywhere #dilhaihindustani,” Doraiswami wrote on X.

During the event, Doraiswami  said that the role of the Indian diaspora is central to India’s success globally.

Indian High Commissioner Doraiswami  said, “The message is simple. There is so much to be proud of 76 years of India’s history, and particularly the last decade, in which so much has been achieved. I think the time is for us now to work together as one, look ahead, and consolidate all our successes and build ahead for a new India. And I think the role of diaspora here is central for that”.  (ANI)

ALSO READ-Indian High Commission in London Celebrates Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Triumph

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-Top News London News UK News

India Club – a slice of history in heart of London closing down

Founded by Krishna Menon, India’s first High Commissioner, the place has been a hotspot for the Asian community in London, and has served Indian taste buds with popular dishes like butter chicken and masala dosa…reports Asian Lite News

The landmark India Club in London, founded in 1951 as a way of furthering Indo-British relations, following Independence, will shut down next month after losing a protracted battle against its closure.

Situated directly opposite the Indian High Commission and the BBC’s studios at Bush House, the club will shut its doors on September 17 after it was served a notice by the landlords to make way for putting up a luxury hotel, The Telegraph newspaper reported.

The restaurant, with independent India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as its founding member, attracted a cosmopolitan clientele of employees from India House, journalists, lawyers from the nearby Royal Courts of Justice and lecturers and students from King’s College.

Founded by Krishna Menon, India’s first High Commissioner, the place has been a hotspot for the Asian community in London, and has served Indian taste buds with popular dishes like butter chicken and masala dosa.

According to the Telegraph report, the lease was held by Yadgar Marker and his daughter Phiroza for the past 26 years, who described the eviction of the club as “heartbreaking”.

In 2018, an application by the premises freeholder Marston Properties to turn the place into “modern tourist accommodation” was rejected by Westminster Council, following a “Save India Club” petition signed by 26,000 people.

However, it was only a temporary reprieve.

Sharing a photograph with his sister at the club, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, whose father Chandran Tharoor was one of the founding members of the club, wrote on X: “I am sorry to hear that the India Club, London, is to close permanently in September. As the son of one of its founders, I lament the passing of an institution that served so many Indians (and not only Indians) for nearly three-quarters of a century.

“For many students, journalists, and travellers, it was a home away from home, offering simple and good quality Indian food at affordable prices as well as a convivial atmosphere to meet and maintain friendships.”

“It is very sad news indeed. India Club was a part of British Indian history hidden away on The Strand. Everyone’s a loser when such places close. London has changed so much demographically, sad when you see legacy fade with the advance of a new rationale,” the HinduCouncilUK, an advocacy group, said in a tweet.

ALSO READ-Indian High Commission in London Celebrates Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Triumph

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India News London News Science

Indian High Commission in London Celebrates Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Triumph

Special screenings of the soft landing were organized across the country, including schools science centres, and public institutions…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian High Commission in London on Wednesday celebrated the successful landing of ISRO’s third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. People at the High Commission raised slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.

Chandryaan-3 on Wednesday successfully performed a soft landing on the Moon. ISRO tweeted: “Chandrayaan-3 Mission: ‘India, I reached my destination and you too!’ Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon! Congratulations, India!” Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Alex Ellis also congratulated India on Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing and said ‘Badhai Ho’. “A big moment for India for the world and…” Ellis wrote on X. “Badhai Ho” “Touchdown! Congratulations to India and@isro on making history with the successful #Chandrayaan3 mission – a giant step forward for the whole world,” the British High Commission said on X.

Director of Championing Space at the UK Space Agency Professor Anu Ojha OBE also congratulated India on the successful soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. He said that the successful landing of Chandryaan-3 in the southern polar region of the moon is evidence that we are living in a new space age.  “Congratulations to India on this amazing feat of engineering and perseverance. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 in the southern polar region of the moon is further evidence that we are living in a new space age, with space agencies and companies across the world setting their sights on the Moon and beyond,” Anu Ojha OBE said in a statement. 

He further said, “This current crop of missions is focused on new areas of opportunity — there are important scientific discoveries to be made about the presence of water on the lunar surface, which could support humans to live and work there for extended periods of time.”
As the Vikram lander carrying the Pragyaan rover in its belly touched down on the lunar surface, it marked a giant leap in India’s spacefaring journey providing a well-deserved finale to ISRO’s long years of toil.
This makes India the fourth country – after the US, China, and Russia – to have successfully landed on the moon’s surface, it has earned a place in record books as the first to touchdown on the south side of Earth’s only natural satellite.

Special screenings of the soft landing were organized across the country, including schools science centres, and public institutions. ISRO made the live action available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV. The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on July 14. (ANI)

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