Tag: London

Categories
-Top News UK News

Parliamentarians laud India’s achievements at Namaste London event

Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami was among those who addressed the event…reports Asian Lite News

In a notable event organised by the Indian Minorities Foundation in London, UK parliamentarians came together to celebrate the achievements of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ‘Namaste London: Resurgence of a New India’ event not only acknowledged India’s progress but also honoured the significant contributions of the Indian Diaspora to both their host and home countries.

The event, attended by cross-party UK parliamentarians and diaspora leaders, included the UK launch of ‘Igniting Collective Goodness: Mann Ki Baat@100,’ capturing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dialogue with the nation since October 2014. Additionally, the book ‘Heartfelt: The Legacy of Faith — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sikhs’ by the NID Foundation was unveiled, showcasing the diverse dimensions of India’s cultural tapestry.

Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami was among those who addressed the event.

Member of Parliament from Sutton and Cheam, Paul Stuart Scully, expressed his pride in the strong relationship between the UK and Indian families and communities. Drawing from his own Indian minority heritage, he emphasised the values of philanthropy and entrepreneurship instilled in him, emphasizing continuous learning from Indian friends.

“I’ve seen first-hand how the UK and Indian families and communities work so well together. I’m, in fact, the product of an Indian minority myself,” he told ANI.

Scully, who serves as the tech minister, highlighted the parallel growth of Bengaluru and London as digital hubs, fostering collaboration in startups, scale-ups, and entrepreneurship.

“As the tech minister, I was in Bengaluru earlier this year at the G20 Digital Tech Ministers’ meetings, and I found out that Bengaluru was the fastest-growing digital hub in the world. Number two was London,” he added.

He commended Prime Minister Modi for energising India and fortifying the UK-India relationship, further strengthened by the presence of the UK’s first prime minister of Indian heritage, Rishi Sunak.

“Prime Minister Modi, he really energises India, he energises the relationship between the UK and India, obviously helped by our first prime minister of Indian heritage, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as well. That really helps to bind us together, our communities and businesses together,” Scully also said.

When queried about the social structure in India under Modi’s leadership, Scully affirmed that the dynamism and energy of a new India, driven by imagination and innovation, have brought people together.

“What I’ve seen of the structure around the country in India, it has brought people together under that sort of energy. That dynamism of a new India really is powering ahead to not only be one of the world’s leading economies but towards helping in the developing world as well. That can only happen through imagination and innovation, but dynamism and energy. And Prime Minister Modi has really helped drive that,” he also said,

Councillor Ramji Kanji Chauhan, Mayor of Harrow Weald, emphasised the positive changes in India’s political landscape under Modi’s leadership, aiming for a better quality of life for its citizens.

“I think in the political aspect, it’s (India) changed a lot for the people. And that can only be good when you can change things to make a difference for the people in that country, to make sure they live better, eat better and work together better. I think that’s the best thing anybody can do,” Chauhan said.

Lord German, a current member of the House of Lords, applauded India’s heightened position on the world stage, acknowledging its leadership not only economically but also socially and culturally.

“Well, there’s no doubt that the position of India on the world stage is now much greater than it was nine years ago. It is taking a lead in many areas, not just economically, but also socially and culturally as well. I think there is clearly a big dramatic shift in the economy as ideas thinking, dramatic new developments in terms of production and being able to manufacture globally and export globally,” he said.

He commended India’s contributions to the understanding of diversity and different cultures, reflecting positively on the UK-India relationship.

“But also, I’m very much keen on what India has been able to contribute to the world in our understanding of diversity, our understanding of different cultures, our understanding of ourselves as we get reflected through the views of other people. And I congratulate India. It is certainly on the move. It’s in the centre part of the world stage. So thank you very much for all you’re doing,” Lord German added.

Baroness Manzila Pola Uddin, a member of the House of Lords for 25 years, expressed gratitude to India, particularly for its support during Bangladesh’s war of independence.

“First of all, I want to express my gratitude to India. As someone who was born in Bangladesh, who experienced the war of independence in Bangladesh, I think that we are forever full of gratitude and respect for India standing by Bangladesh,” she said.

She stressed the importance of India continuing its development of inclusive relationships, both abroad and within its borders, fostering community cohesion and respect for diversity.

“The UK has an incredibly strong relationship, not only bilateral but also in communities. I think that India must continue its development of the inclusive relationship, not just abroad but also in India itself, which values community cohesion, respect for one another, regardless of what religion, what faith or none that people have,” said Baroness Manzila.

ALSO READ-Iftar at Dubai Gurudwara

Categories
Business India News London News

Serum Life Sciences Sets London Record at £138 Million

Adar Poonawalla ( Credit : Adar Poonawalla/twitter)

The top end of London’s property market is insulated from the impact of higher borrowing costs, which have slowed the wider UK housing market this year, because few buyers rely on mortgages…reports Asian Lite News

India’s billionaire “vaccine prince” Adar Poonawalla has reached a deal for London’s most expensive home sale of the year, agreeing to pay about 138 mn pound for a 25,000 square foot Mayfair mansion, media reports said.

Aberconway House, a vast 1920s home near Hyde Park, will change hands after a sale was agreed by Dominika Kulczyk, daughter of the late businessman Jan Kulczyk, who was Poland’s richest man, Financial Times reported.

The property will be acquired by Serum Life Sciences, a UK subsidiary of the Poonawalla family’s Serum Institute of India, people familiar with the transaction said, it said.

The price tag makes Aberconway House the second-most expensive home ever sold in London and the biggest deal of the year, according to luxury property agents, Financial Times reported.

The top end of London’s property market is insulated from the impact of higher borrowing costs, which have slowed the wider UK housing market this year, because few buyers rely on mortgages.

Trophy properties in London have remained attractive to international buyers despite new transparency measures brought in to help target Russian money after the war in Ukraine, and the prospect of tax changes if the Labour party wins the next UK general election.

A person close to Serum Life Sciences said the Poonawalla family had “no plans” to move to the UK permanently, but that “the house will serve as a base for the company and family when they are in the UK”. The London deal follows multimillion-pound investments in vaccine research and manufacturing facilities near Oxford, the person added, Financial Times reported.

ALSO READ-Impact of Social Media and E-commerce

Categories
Arts & Culture India News London News

UNESCO Recognition of Garba Celebrated at Nehru Centre, London

Celebration of UNESCO Recognition of Garba

The Nehru Centre, London has hosted a vibrant event marking the recognition of Garba as Intangible Cultural Heritage of India by UNESCO recently.

Organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, the multi-dimensional aspects of the event included Master Class on Garba, commemoration of Garba’s cultural significance and live Garba performances.

Dep. Director of Nehru Centre Sanjay Sharma’s opening words

Sanjay Sharma, Deputy Director of TNC gave his opening remarks on the occasion, and the concept note was presented by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre. Traditional Garba song was presented by Pravina Vandra and Vasanti Parmar.

Presenting of traditional Garba songs

Tributes to Garba through performances were presented by Dr Krishna Patel and Dina Kukadia. Senior performer, folklore singer Satish Shah engaged audiences with his master class on Garba, supported by his team members Rashmita Shah and Jyoti Shah.

Garba by DStyle Artists

Dhvani and Dhru representing D-Style Dance to Inspire presented the finale garba performance that captivated the audience. Ovessa Iqbal and Sanjay Kumar Sutar from the High Commission of India were in attendance at the program, besides other community leaders.

Master Class on Garba
Garba presentations
Categories
-Top News UK News

UK Toughens Skilled Worker Visa Rules

Cleverly also indicated that the health surcharge payable by foreign job seekers will rise by 66 per cent – from 624 pounds to 1,035 pounds…reports Asian Lite News

An estimated 300,000 non-Britons – many of them Indians – will be affected by the British government on Monday raising the bar for people eligible to apply for skilled worker visas for the United Kingdom. The minimum salary that an applicant must now command is 38,700 pounds, up from 26,000 pounds.

“Enough is enough,” said Home Secretary James Cleverly in the House of Commons. The policy is designed, he added, to reduce net migration to the UK. Net migration – the difference between the number of people coming to live in the UK and the people leaving – was 745,000 in 2022 and has become deeply unpopular with Britons across the board.

One of the main arguments for exiting the European Union (EU) was to control immigration – which compulsory free movement of people in the EU could not prevent. This has been defeated by people swamping the UK from other parts of the world, including significantly from India.

Those coming on health and social care visas, mostly nurses, will, however, be exempt from the higher salary threshold. They will not, though, be permitted to bring dependents, namely their partners and children, with them. Cleverly stated this will “end the abuse of the Health and Care Visa”. Nurses in the UK also come from India as well as from other parts of Asia, Africa. and the West Indies.

Cleverly asserted: “Approximately 120,000 dependents accompanied 100,000 care workers and senior care workers in the year ending September 2023. Only 25 per cent of dependents are estimated to be in work, meaning a significant number are drawing on public services and not helping to grow the economy.”

Earlier this year, tougher rules were announced for students bringing dependents to the UK. Undergraduate students are no longer allowed to bring their partners or children.

Cleverly also indicated that the health surcharge payable by foreign job seekers will rise by 66 per cent – from 624 pounds to 1,035 pounds.

Without criticising the move, the opposition Labour party’s Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper maintained the new proposals are “an admission of years of total failure by this Conservative government”.

She slammed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak by saying he is “clearly veering” without “steering” and is being “pushed around all over the place”.

The Scottish National Party spokesperson said Cleverly’s pronouncement will be judged on whether it’s “pandering to the right wing of his party”.

The chair of the Independent Care Group warned: “I think we are going to find more businesses fail, care homes closing.”

It appears post-study work (PSW) visas available after finishing a masters degree in the UK will not as yet come under the new guidelines. This will come as a relief to Indian students, who numbered 120,000 in 2021-22.

ALSO READ-42,000 Injured, 56 Health Institutions Destroyed in Gaza

Categories
-Top News Politics UK News

Sunak’s Diplomatic Misstep Deepens Concerns in Tory Circles

It’s almost unheard of for a British Prime Minister to cancel a meeting with a European ally who has specifically traveled to see them in No. 10 Downing Street, and Sunak’s decision has caused outrage in Greece.

With the UK general elections looming next year, some Conservative Party MPs and strategists fear the British Prime Minister might not have the temperament to charm the electorate.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision Monday to abruptly cancel a meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, angrily claiming that his Greek counterpart reneged on assurances he would not speak publicly about the disputed Parthenon Sculptures during his three-day UK visit, has reignited Tory fears about a petulant streak which surfaces in the heat of political battle, Politico reported.

It’s almost unheard of for a British Prime Minister to cancel a meeting with a European ally who has specifically traveled to see them in No. 10 Downing Street, and Sunak’s decision has caused outrage in Greece.

A government spokesman in Athens called the decision “unprecedented” and “disrespectful”, Politico reported.

“Whereas when he was Chancellor the public found Rishi Sunak authoritative and reassuring, they now tend to find him lecturing and sometimes snappy,” said Luke Tryl, director of the consultancy More in Common, which regularly conducts focus groups on political topics around the UK.

“The warning signs of this shift in impressions of Sunak have been clear since last year’s leadership debates, when the public found Sunak’s attitude to Liz Truss to be rude and condescending — even when they agreed with what he was saying.

Picture by Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street

“Given that he already struggles on questions of empathy, the Prime Minister is at risk of developing a tone problem with the public and needs to switch back to ‘safe pair of hands; rather than know-it-all,” he added.

With Labour leading in the polls, a former minister added, the stakes for Sunak could not be higher, Politico reported.

“As Chancellor you can get away with it,” they said. “As Prime Minister, you can’t.”

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement tax cut has fuelled speculation that Sunak could be gearing up for an election in the first half of 2024, Sky News reported.

With the Conservatives still lagging behind Labour in the polls, the chancellor made the surprise announcement that he will slash national insurance by two percentage points and bring forward the change to January rather than waiting until the new tax year in April.

Sky’s election analyst Professor Michael Thrasher comes to a similar conclusion.

He said: “The Conservatives trail Labour by 18 points in the latest polling, a swing sufficient to give Keir Starmer a healthy majority at the coming election. A series of record-breaking by-election defeats this parliament confirm the Conservative predicament.

Clawing back the deficit, and recovering trust among electors is going to take time.”

The bleak assessments are a remarkable turnaround for a party that just four years ago won a thumping 80-seat majority under Boris Johnson.

But the scandals that led to his downfall, and the economic chaos unleashed by the Liz Truss mini-budget – all against the backdrop of rising NHS waiting lists and a cost of living crisis – is why some strategists believe a Conservative defeat at the next general election is all but inevitable, Sky News reported.

Polling expert Professor John Curtice put it: “Frankly, they are heading for crucifixion.”

He is sceptical the autumn statement will “move the dial much” and said speculation about an early election “is in the interest of the Conservatives to keep everyone on their toes”.

He believes the Conservatives are facing electoral disaster on the scale of 1997, when after 18 years in power the party, led by John Major, was defeated in a landslide by Labour’s Tony Blair, Sky News reported.

ALSO READ: Starmer challenges Sunak over migration record

Categories
Food London News Restaurant Reviews

Flavourful Sri Lankan Food in London made with flair: Karapincha

Karapincha serves authentic Sri Lankan food which have been inspired by the owners’ mother’s recipes. The brand consists of a group of Sri Lankan cafes and small kitchens where these time tested recipes come to life. Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka and with a family legacy of owning the most popular vegetarian restaurant in Colombo, the owners carry with them the greatest memories and influences from the South Asian island where they grew up. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

The brand’s cooking is fuelled by flavoursome, and often fiery, spices so they chose the name “Karapincha” which originates from the Sinhala word for curry leaf – an important ingredient that lies at the very heart of the dishes and is used in the majority of their hand-ground spice blends, giving them their inimitable, multifaceted flavour.

Owned by twin sisters Vasanthini and Dharshini Perumal, Karapincha combines vibrant flavours with bright island energy and humble, homecooked goodness, all inspired by their late mother Rajamma. In the spirit of authenticity, they’ve preserved family recipes and put home cooks, not chefs, in charge of the Karapincha kitchens, so expect a taste of genuine home-cooked Sri Lankan goodness.

They serve food that packs a deliciously soul warming punch and have already earned a reputation as one of the best places for authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in the capital.

Their site in Canary Wharf brings never-before-seen dishes from the sisters including a morning-busting breakfast offering that can’t be found anywhere else in London.Breaking new ground as the first hospitality business to open in a Tube station where the kitchen is actually cooking the food, Karapincha’s inaugural all-day café is the next stop in grab-and-go freshness.

Everything is homemade. From the roti to the mayonnaise, to the spice blends and the curries; everything is cooked, simmered and chopped the way the brand owners-Vasanthini and Dharshini were taught, and exactly as their mother’s old recipes state.

Breakfast includes freshly cooked Vegan Roti filled with roasted pepper, aubergine, spinach and tahini which gives a nutritious start to the day, while Egg or Turkey Ham & Cheese Roti provide satisfying sustenance to those who struggle to get their morning started! Signature Cardamom & Cinnamon French Toast with banana and mango, shaved coconut and maple syrup is the naughty treat you never knew you needed while ‘Classics with a Twist’ add feisty Sri Lankan sass to cult brekkie favourites. 

Avocado Toast receives added kick with sesame seeds and chilli; the Egg Brioche hits the spot with a Sri Lankan egg omelette, onions, coriander leaves and green chilli peppers all nestled within an egg souffle brioche roll; Vegan Porridge is sprinkled with cocoa nibs, Omega seeds and summer berries; while satisfying Baked Eggs features spiced tomato sauce, roasted peppers & Labneh.

If you are just looking for a Quick Bite coffee accompaniment then get the hit you need with their Coconut & Orange Overnight Oats; Homemade Granola & Yoghurt pot with mango, pineapple and coconut; or a protein- filled Cold Wrap with either chickpeas or chicken. All available with any hot drink – from Ceylon or Chai Tea to Espresso and Latte making it one of the best breakfast deals in the Wharf!

Then from 11.30am until closing, big, bold dishes take centre stage. Short Eats (a Sri Lankan term for snacks designed with the convenience of travel in mind) consist of: moreish Spicy Rolls containing curried vegetables or lamb; spice-laden chicken or veg Samosas and traditional Cutlets (potatoes mixed with chicken or veggies coated with seasoned breadcrumbs). Perfect for a light bite on-the-go or as a side to one of the bigger bowls.

Larger appetites will be appeased with specials which are full of warming flavours and aromatic spices. Karapincha’s famous Kothu Roti (shredded roti stir-fried with vegetables or chicken) or addictively good Devilled Chicken with fried rice are must-tries. Meanwhile, Build Your Own Curries allow you to mix, match and experiment with Sri Lankan ingredients and flavour, finished off with intriguing add-ons including: Beetroot Piratal (beetroot cooked in a mild coconut- based sauce); Aubergine Moju (fried aubergine in a sweet & savoury sauce); and Mama Perumal’s very special Pickled Pineapple.

The menus have been thoughtfully designed to satisfy a range of tastes and preferences. With plenty of plant-based, vegetarian and halal options, there’s something to please every palate.

Calming hues of green at the Canary Wharf cafe are complemented by characterful touches including authentic family photographs, potted plants and statement wicker pendant lights that transform the intimate station space into a homely haven. Whether you’re waiting out rush hour, meeting a friend for a bite, or simply need a change of scene with your meal, there are 10 seats for the taking.

Authentic in every sense, all visits come accompanied by the unmistakable bang and swish of Kothu Roti being sauteed on the hot griddle and scent of fragrant spice blends permeating the air as Karapincha’s homecooks (specifically not chefs) prepare your hot and fresh feast.

Family values lie at the very heart of Karapincha. Sisters Vasanthini and Dharshini see their business as creating an extension of their cherished family, inviting people from all walks of life who share a passion for cooking and respect for traditions, to come and learn alongside them. It’s of the utmost importance to them that guests entering their eateries feel like they are being welcomed into the Perumal home, a sentiment that is embodied by every member of their dedicated teams who exude natural warmth and genuine hospitality.

It’s time for appetites to be spiced and souls to be warmed – you are sure to feel welcomed in Karapincha by the welcoming staff. 

At Karapincha the food portions are generous, the service is friendly, flavours are on point, menu selection and food quality is excellent, packaging and presentation are great too. All in all, very highly recommended! 

Karapincha can be found at: 

Old Spitalfields Market | 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW

Market Place Vauxhall | 7-11 S Lambeth Road, London SW8 1SP

Canary Wharf | Unit 14 Canary Wharf Station, London E14 4HJ

Mercato Metropolitano | 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR

ALSO READ: Masala Zone Soho: Regional Indian Food At It’s Best in London

Categories
London News Music

Bonus London Dates Added to Taylor’s Eras Tour

According to Ticketmaster listings for the new shows, general on sale will go live for the August 19 show today at 2pm GMT, while the August 20 sale starts on November 15…reports Asian Lite News

Popstar Taylor Swift isn’t quite done with her gigs in the UK just yet as she has now added two additional stops in London as part of her Eras Tour.

Initially scheduled for only six shows, the singer was due to perform six shows at London’s Wembley Arena on June 21, 22 and 23, followed by August 15, 16 and 17.

Now she has added two additional shows on August 19, and 20, she has taken the count to eight as she embarks on the European leg of her tour in 2024. All of Swift’s London concerts will take place at Wembley Stadium with support from the rock band Paramore, according to ‘Variety’.

Parmore took to their official X and wrote: “The Eras Tour with @taylorswift13, 2024. Two new shows added at Wembley Stadium, August 19 & 20. A limited number of fans who previously registered for shows in London will be selected for access to the sale and will receive notifications via email starting today.”

According to Ticketmaster listings for the new shows, general on sale will go live for the August 19 show today at 2pm GMT, while the August 20 sale starts on November 15.

Swift recently kicked off her trek across South America, starting with three shows in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She made headlines on November 11 night when she changed the lyrics of ‘Karma’ to seemingly confirm her romance with American football player Travis Kelce.

A part of the audience, the sportsman heard singing: “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs/ Coming straight home to me.” Swift also took time during November 12 show to ask the crowd not to throw things on stage, saying “it really freaks me out”.

“I love that you brought presents and that is so nice, but just can you please not throw them on the stage,” Swift said. “I love you so much.”

Swift will next play six shows in Brazil before taking a break for the holidays. In February, the Eras Tour will start back up in Tokyo before heading to Australia.

ALSO READ-‘Kaathal – The Core’ Promises a Riveting Experience

Categories
-Top News London News UK News

CABINET REJIG: Cameron Makes Surprise Return as Cleverly Replaces Braverman

David Cameron replaced James Cleverly who has been appointed as the new Home Secretary after Indian-origin Suella Braverman was sacked from the post, days after she wrote a controversial article in The Times newspaper, criticising the Met Police over pro-Palestine protests in London.

As UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is currently reshuffling his Cabinet, former British premier David Cameron was on Monday appointed as the new Foreign Secretary.

In a post on X, the Downing Street said that Cameron had been appointed as the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

Cameron replaced James Cleverly who has been appointed as the new Home Secretary after Indian-origin Suella Braverman was sacked from the post, days after she wrote a controversial article in The Times newspaper, criticising the Met Police over pro-Palestine protests in London.

It was later confirmed that she had ignored advice from Downing Street to make changes to the article.

“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary,” the BBC quoted Braverman as saying after she was sacked,

“I will have more to say in due course.”

Braverman was appointed Home Secretary by Liz Truss in September 2022.

But she was made to resign from her post after sending an official document from her personal email – against ministerial rules.

Just six days later, Sunak brought her back into position.

ALSO READ: UK House Speaker Hosts Indian Envoy For Diwali Celebrations

Categories
Community India News London News

International Conference on Sindh Organised in London

Organised at the University of Westminster Harrow Campus, the day long event had attendees descending in London from different parts of the world.

Robust panel discussions and presentations on the challenges of Sindhi community adorned the 35th International Conference on Sindh by World Sindhi Congress recently. Organised at the University of Westminster Harrow Campus, the day long event had attendees descending in London from different parts of the world.

Starting with the panel on British-Sindhi Diaspora, the topics ranged from Mismanagement of Indus Water to Human Rights and Forced Conversions of Sindhi Hindu girls in Pakistan (video presentations), to Self-determination right and global Sindhi alliances. A welcome message was rendered by Fahmida Khushik and Rukshana Bhutto, and introductory lines about the conference and WSC by Hafeezan Wadhio, followed by panel discussions.

Stellar panels included Shahzado Wadhio (Sindhi Sangat UK), Fahmida Khushik (International Sindhi Women Organisation, UK), Faraz Ahmed Khokhar (Sindhi Youth Club, UK), Imdad Odho (Radio Voice of Sindh, London), Ved Luhana (World Sindhi Congress, UK), Chandru Gidoomal (Sindhi Association of UK), Qambar Baloch (Baloch Human Rights Council, UK), Dr Lakhu Luhana (World Sindhi Congress), Prof. Fiona McConnell (Oxford University), representatives of Baloch Movement, Hassan Dost Baloch, Kim Putheaney (Global Human Rights Defence- GHDR, Netherlands), Prof. Rafiq A Chandio (University of Sindh), Prof. Ishtiaq Ahmed (Sweden), Ms Veengas (The Rise News, Sindh), Harris Khalique (Human Rights Commission, Pakistan), Hajan Kalhoro (WSC, Canada), Narayan Bablani (India), Dr Maqbool Halepota (Sindhi Association of America- SANA), and Dr Rubina Shaikh (Chair, WSC). Gul Sanai, Fahmida Khushik, Dr Sagir Shaikh, Farhan Kaghzi, and Dr Hidayat Bhutto have moderated the panels that were thought-provoking.

A minute’s silence was observed to pay respectful tributes to deceased Gul Hassan Kalmati, Raj Kumar Wanjara, Sundar Agnani and Bashir Ahmed Shahani. Poetry for the Soul by Roohi Kalhoro, Harris Khalique & Sami Baloch, and Sindhi Live Music Concert by Pooja Vazirani (India), Alghozo player Nathan Torrence (USA) captivated the attendees. Umed Leghari outlined plans of World Sindhi Congress for the forthcoming year and Fiza Kalhoro presented the conference resolutions.

Categories
-Top News India News London News

Incredible India Pavilion Shines at WTM 2023 in London

At the Nov 6-8 event, the Ministry of Tourism plans to use WTM 2023 as a platform to bring together professionals from various sectors of the travel and tourism industry…reports Asian Lite News

The Union Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday launched the Incredible India Pavilion at World Travel Market (WTM) 2023 in London to showcase the country’s varied tourism products and series of transformative experiences for travellers to India under the theme ‘Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023’.

The formal inauguration of the Indian Pavilion was done by V. Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, and Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, in the presence of Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.

Throughout the day, Incredible India organised various cultural performances, henna and yoga sessions. Vidyavathi attended the UNWTO-WTTC Tourism Ministers’ Summit on ‘Transforming Tourism through Youth and Education’ held at Elevate Stage. She also met important tour operators, mediapersons and important stakeholders in the UK market.

At WTM 2023, the 47 participants include tour operating companies/DMCs, state tourism departments from Delhi, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

The tourism departments of Kerala, Karnataka, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, have taken their own pavilions to showcase their products and services and connect with potential clients and partners.

At the Nov 6-8 event, the Ministry of Tourism plans to use WTM 2023 as a platform to bring together professionals from various sectors of the travel and tourism industry.

The platform would be used for networking, business opportunities, and the exchange of ideas and information as the event attracts a diverse range of attendees, including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, cruise lines, travel technology providers, tourism boards, and other professionals from the travel and hospitality sector.

ALSO READ-Thousands march in London, other cities in pro-Palestinian rallies