Latest news with #HighCommission
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
New Zealand High Commission celebrates Matariki with fashion showcase
Sharing the sounds, songs, and spirit of Māori culture, the New Zealand High Commission celebrated Matariki - the Māori New Year - with their diplomatic and Indian friends. The event, titled RE/NEW: A Time to Shine, was co-hosted by the New Zealand High Commission, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Education New Zealand (ENZ). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Along with a specially curated fashion showcase, the evening featured a traditional performance by the Māori cultural group Ngāti Koraha. The Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, attended the event as the chief guest. British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron Paralympian Deepa Malik It is truly a privilege to be able to share our Māori traditions with our Indian friends: New Zealand's High Commissioner Patrick Rata The evening began with a powerful performance by members of Ngāti Koraha, who brought alive the sounds, songs, and spirit of New Zealand's Māori heritage. Welcoming guests, High Commissioner Patrick Rata said, "It is a pleasure to welcome you all to this special celebration of Matariki. It is truly a privilege to be able to share our Māori traditions with Indian friends, as well as with members of the diplomatic and fashion communities. Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as Pleiades. (Under the Māori lunar calendar, the reappearance of Matariki in the mid-winter night sky marks the beginning of a new year). It is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope. Matariki invites us to honour those who have passed, celebrate those around us, and look forward to a brighter future.' Jury members Nikhil Mehra and Namrata Joshipura Pawan Sachdeva Minister Pabitra Margherita congratulated the High Commissioner and the embassy's staff on the occasion, saying, 'It is an honour to join in this joyous celebration of Matariki. I am told that this is a time for remembrance, renewal, and reconnection - between lands, skies, and one another. India and New Zealand enjoy a long-standing and cordial relationship grounded in shared democratic values, mutual respect for diversity, and a strong commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ' Before introducing the jury for the fashion showcase - which brought together twelve young designers from five institutions across New Zealand and India - FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi shared, 'The FDCI has had a long and happy relationship with New Zealand, and I'm glad to have supported this particular collaboration with my team. By working with emerging talent from both New Zealand and India, we celebrate creativity and cultural connections tonight. '
NDTV
17 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
"Yoga's Popularity Rising Across UK": King Charles On International Yoga Day
London: Hundreds of people have gathered at an iconic square on the Strand in London to join in a series of expert-led asanas and breathing techniques to mark International Day of Yoga (IDY), organised by the High Commission of India in London. Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami opened the proceedings celebrating the 10th anniversary of Yoga Day on a sunny Friday evening by reading out a special message from King Charles III. The 76-year-old monarch, known for his affinity for Yoga, said this annual celebration "promoted the global principles of unity, compassion and wellbeing". "The theme of this year's day, Yoga for One Earth, One Health, reminds us how vitally important it is that the world comes together to secure a happy and healthy future for present and future generations," read the King's message from Buckingham Palace. "Initiatives like the International Day of Yoga provide an opportunity to celebrate a practice and philosophy that means so much to so many. Year on year, Yoga is increasing in popularity across the United Kingdom, with millions of people in our country reaping its benefits. Yoga is a powerful means of enabling anyone to improve their physical and mental health and fosters a sense of wellbeing and togetherness within communities," he said. Doraiswami reflected on how it's been over a decade since the United Nations adopted a resolution put forward as an idea in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a "hugely popular" initiative with support from all partner nations. "Yoga is something that speaks to a universal language, the idea of the commonality of the human experience, the idea that we all, no matter where we come from, how we look, how we pray, what we speak, our bodies need the same forms of healing," said the High Commissioner. This year's programme was organised in partnership with King's College London, whose campus is near India House. "King's College London shares the values of community, wellness, inner calm and everything that Yoga represents," said Graham Lord, Senior Vice-President for Health and Life Sciences, King's College London. "This is the first of many partnerships we will have with the High Commission and also represents the partnership between the United Kingdom and India, who as you know signed a Free Trade Agreement very recently. It's wonderful for us to be building an even stronger relationship. It's lovely to see that we have brought this event closer to the High Commission and that we are using our wonderful shared space together," he said. Opening with a 'Drums of India' musical segment by the Bhavan UK, the gathering was led through Surya Namaskar followed by an introduction to Iyengar Yoga. Experts from Heartfulness UK, Art of Living and Isha Foundation then went on to take the audience through breathing techniques and mindfulness practices. The event concluded with 'Samagam', a harmonious Yoga and dance performance. International Day of Yoga is marked annually around the world on June 21, with the High Commission of India in London organising a major public event in celebration.
Russia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
India and Canada vow to reset ties after years of diplomatic spats
India and Canada have agreed to reset ties after years of tensions, which culminated in the mutual expulsions of top diplomats in 2024. New Delhi and Ottawa will designate new high commissioners to their respective missions. A high commissioner is the top diplomat, ranking as an ambassador, in a diplomatic mission of one British Commonwealth nation to another. The Commonwealth nations use the term 'high commission' instead of embassy in diplomatic dealings. The breakthrough between the nations took place during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. 'Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties, based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity,' Carney's office said in a statement. 'The leaders agreed to designate new High Commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,' the office added. During the talks, Modi and Carney discussed trade ties between the two countries, including cooperation in areas such as economic growth, supply chain development, and energy transition. The deterioration of ties between the countries accelerated after the G20 summit in India in 2023. Sharing my remarks during meeting with PM @MarkJCarney of Canada. On the sidelines of the global gathering in New Delhi, Modi met with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and brought up the 'continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.' Ties between the countries reached a low in October 2024 when Canadian officials accused Indian diplomats of targeting Sikh activists in Canada, leading to mutual expulsions of diplomats. Some members of Canada's Sikh community demand the establishment of Khalistan, an independent ethno-religious nation that would be carved out of the Indian state of Punjab and surrounding areas. This Khalistan movement in Canada has been central to the rising tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa, especially following Trudeau's allegations that India was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a key figure in the movement. New Delhi views Khalistan activists as a national threat and has banned their organizations. Pro-Khalistan separatists periodically organize protests, chant anti-India slogans, and target diplomatic missions and Hindu temples, with violent attacks taking place in Canada. India has also been accused of interfering in Canadian elections, which New Delhi has denied.
Canada Standard
5 days ago
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Indian High Commission in London holds commemorative ceremony for lives lost in Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad
London [UK], June 17 (ANI): A memorial ceremony was held by the Indian High Commission in London to honour victims of the Air India AI171 crash. Dignitaries including India's Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami and UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner joined diaspora members to pay tribute. India's Ambassador to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Canadian High Commissioner to the UK, Ralph Goodale, serving and former MPs, and members of the Indian diaspora gathered to pay tribute to the departed souls. Joining in the remembrance, UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman also attended a special prayer service at the Haridham congregation with worshippers of the Yogi Divine Society, offering prayers for the victims of the tragic crash. 'I joined the congregation of Haridham with worshippers of Yogi Divine Society to offer prayers for the victims, their friends & families of the dreadful Ahmedabad Plane Crash. We mourn the loss of so many lives, including relatives of the congregation of this Mandir. Om Shanti,' Blackman posted on X. His message comes in the aftermath of the tragic crash involving a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which slammed into a hostel complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The accident killed 241 people on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. A UK-based expert who reached the crash site to conduct an inspection told media present at the scene, 'Maybe we will be able to speak later... We saw what you guys can see... It's just the same, as you can see from here.' As rescue teams and authorities continued identification efforts, officials assured that each body would be returned to families with full respect and dignity. The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, comprising 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Only one person, Vishwashkumar Ramesh -- a British national of Indian origin -- survived the crash and is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries. In addition to those on board, at least 33 others, including local residents and MBBS students living in the hostel, also lost their lives as the plane collided with the building on impact. (ANI)
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indian High Commission in London holds commemorative ceremony for lives lost in Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad
London [UK], June 17 (ANI): A memorial ceremony was held by the Indian High Commission in London to honour victims of the Air India AI171 crash. Dignitaries including India's Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami and UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner joined diaspora members to pay tribute. India's Ambassador to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Canadian High Commissioner to the UK, Ralph Goodale, serving and former MPs, and members of the Indian diaspora gathered to pay tribute to the departed souls. Joining in the remembrance, UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman also attended a special prayer service at the Haridham congregation with worshippers of the Yogi Divine Society, offering prayers for the victims of the tragic crash. 'I joined the congregation of Haridham with worshippers of Yogi Divine Society to offer prayers for the victims, their friends & families of the dreadful Ahmedabad Plane Crash. We mourn the loss of so many lives, including relatives of the congregation of this Mandir. Om Shanti,' Blackman posted on X. His message comes in the aftermath of the tragic crash involving a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which slammed into a hostel complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The accident killed 241 people on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. A UK-based expert who reached the crash site to conduct an inspection told media present at the scene, 'Maybe we will be able to speak later... We saw what you guys can see... It's just the same, as you can see from here.' As rescue teams and authorities continued identification efforts, officials assured that each body would be returned to families with full respect and dignity. The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, comprising 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Only one person, Vishwashkumar Ramesh -- a British national of Indian origin -- survived the crash and is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries. In addition to those on board, at least 33 others, including local residents and MBBS students living in the hostel, also lost their lives as the plane collided with the building on impact. (ANI)
