On 26 Aug 2022, the Consulate General of India Hamburg hosted a Gala Reception at its premises to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. Ms Katharina Fegebank, Deputy Mayor of Hamburg attended the event as the Chief Guest, along with Mr. Adis Ahmetović, Member of the German Bundestag, Ms. Rachita Bhandari, Charge d’ Affairs, Embassy of India, Berlin, Dr. Bala Ramani, Member of Hannover City Council and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee 2021 and over 200 prominent members of the Indian Diaspora, German Friends of India and members of the Diplomatic Corps in Hamburg. Speaking at the event, Deputy Mayor Katharina Fegebank highlighted the linkages between Hamburg and India as well as the two nations. Mr. Adis Ahmetović, MP, and Dr Bala Ramani also spoke of the excellent bilateral relations between the two nations. In his address, Consul General John H. Ruolngul remembered the great Freedom Fighters and spoke of India’s many achievements in the last 75 years.

The highlight of the event was a live portrait painting of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by artist Arup J.Paul, against a live music performance of Gandhi’s favourite hymn “Abide with Me” and “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” by the German-Indian Fusion Band ‘Asim Saha & United Friends’ featuring Hendrik Schaper and Manfred Flathe, renowned rock and fusion musicians, along with Asim Saha, who made his name with the fusion band Tri Atma in the 1970s, on tabla. This was followed by a Bharatnatyam Dance performance by Prakruthi Kolay and a Kathak Dance Performance by Deodatt Persaud.

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