The 15th of August marked the 75th anniversary of India’s independence from the United Kingdom. This milestone anniversary was celebrated by the Scottish Conservative Party, with Scottish Conservative MSP Pam Gosal being invited by the Consul General of India to join celebrations in Edinburgh.
At midnight on the 15th of August 1947 the British Raj was separated into two countries, India, and Pakistan. This partition marked the end of British rule which began in 1757 through the East India Company who ruled India for 100 years before Britain took direct control.
In India, Independence Day is marked with flag-raising ceremonies, drills and the singing of the Indian national anthem along with differing cultural activities in a variety of state capitals. The Prime Minister of India traditionally participates in the flag-raising ceremony at the Red Ford monument in Old Delhi which is followed by a parade of the armed forces. In addition, the Prime Minister uses this day to remember India’s accomplishments throughout the previous year as well as looking to the year ahead.
In addition to celebrations in India, there were events held around the world, including Scotland. Pam Gosal, Scotland’s first MSP elected to the Scottish Parliament from an Indian background, was invited to attend a special event in Edinburgh held by the Consul General of India.
Pam Gosal also submitted the following motion to the Scottish Parliament:
“That the Parliament marks the 7th Independence Day of the Republic of India “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” on 15 August 2021; congratulates people from India in Scotland and across the world on celebrating their independence day; appreciates the well-established relationship between Scotland and India; notes what it sees as the success that India has made of its independence since 1947, and recognises the positive impact that the Indian community has made in the United Kingdom.”
The motion received cross-party support from both the SNP and Labour.