A historic event took place on Tyneside on Friday 15 August, when the Indian flag was hoisted at Newcastle Civic Centre to mark India’s 79th Independence Day. The event was organised by Meenu Malhotra, chairman of Malhotra Group PLC who last year became the first Honorary Consul General to India in the UK and agreed by Newcastle City Council.
The ceremony began with music from an Indian music group and then the flag was raised, before the Indian national anthem was heartily sung. This was followed by speeches from Malhotra and the Deputy Lord Mayor, mentioning the bonds of friendship between India and the UK and Gandhi’s call for peace and non-violence. It was also made known the valuable contribution of Indian people to the life of Newcastle.
The flag remained in place for the day and it is hoped that this will become an annual event to showcase the strengthening relationship between the North East and India.
The flag ceremony was open to the general public and was followed by refreshments served in the Civic Centre.
In the evening there was an invitation-only cultural celebration with a range of entertainment provided by the Indian Association North East.
The honorary Consul General
Throughout the year Malhotra has worked to help boost economic opportunities between the UK and India building on more than two decades of a relationship between the UK and India.
Malhotra commented: “This is the first time in the history of Newcastle that the Indian national flag will have been flown outside of the Civic Centre and we are very grateful to the civic authorities that are allowing this to take place”.
“This is a very important event and will build on the relationship we are building between UK and what is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.”
Following on from his appointment Malhotra opened an HDGI office, India House at Shields Road, Newcastle. It has acted as a conduit to bring both public and private organisations together – along with the Indian Diaspora – to build strong ties between India and the North East for mutual benefit.
It is said to reflect the national Free Trade Agreement which exists between the UK and India, created to deepen the trading relationship between the two countries by reducing trade barriers and creating new opportunities for businesses.
The Malhotra Foundation
The Malhotra Foundation is a charitable organisation based in the North East, which helps people here in our region and across the UK and the world.
The foundation is said to be committed to making a socially responsible and positive impact on individuals and communities both here in the UK and internationally. They state that their mission is “centred around general charitable purposes, with a particular focus on advancing education and training, promoting health and saving lives, and preventing or relieving poverty”.
The foundation supports young people, children and the wider public, in order to try and create a better future for all. They offer financial assistance, provide grants to individuals and organisations, and “deliver essential facilities and open spaces to those who need them most”.
Their website states that they “aim to improve lives and drive positive, long-term change”.
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