Birmingham, 15 August 2026: The Consulate General of India, Birmingham, celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with great pride and patriotic fervour, bringing together distinguished dignitaries, members of the Indian community and diaspora, students, and friends of India from across the Midlands and North of England. The celebrations reflected the enduring bonds between India and the United Kingdom and the rich diversity and vibrancy of the Indian community.

The celebrations commenced with the singing of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram, followed by the hoisting of the Tricolour by Consul General of India, Dr Venkatachalam Murugan, at the Consulate premises in Birmingham.

The Consul General thereafter read out the Independence Day Address of the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, to the gathering. The event was also honoured by warm Independence Day greetings from Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr Derrick Anderson CBE, and Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zaker Choudhry MBE. Their messages reflected the deep friendship, strong people-to-people ties and growing partnership between India and the United Kingdom.

The celebrations continued with vibrant cultural performances showcasing India’s rich traditions, heritage and extraordinary cultural diversity. With more than 150 participants from across the Midlands and North of England, the event provided a fitting platform to celebrate India’s unity in diversity and the enduring spirit and contribution of the Indian diaspora.

Distinguished dignitaries, including Mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Cllr Dr Nitish Raut; High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Ms Carmen Watson; High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL; and Consul General of Romania, Ms Mihaela Savu, along with Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Lieutenants and other distinguished guests, also extended their warm Independence Day greetings to the Indian community and diaspora through local media.

Their messages added to the spirit of friendship, goodwill and celebration as India commemorates 80 years of Independence.

The Consulate General of India, Birmingham, extends its warmest greetings to all Indians and friends of India on this momentous occasion and reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bonds between India and the United Kingdom.