Recognising their contribution in the success of their husbands, eight women were honoured with
'gold medals' by the Indian Overseas Congress, as part of celebrations of the 63rd anniversary of India's Independence Day.
The medals were presented at a gala dinner organised at the Indian Gymkhana here, attended by a host of leaders.
Lady Ann Dholakia, wife of Lord Navnit Dholakia, Veena Loomba, wife of Raj Loomba, founder of the Loomba Trust, a charity striving for the welfare of widows in India and abroad, Nirmal Sharma, wife of NRI Labour MP, Virendra Sharma, Nirmal Kalhan, wife of D L Kalhan, President of the IOC (London) UK, Cllr Reena Mathrani, Councillor, Conservative party, Harrow, Jasvinder Sandhu, Pammy Kang and Councillor Balbir Kaur.
Speaking on the occasion, Asif Ibrahim, Minister (Co-Ordination) in the Indian High Commission to the UK, said "we are proud of the progress India has made as a secular country since independence."
Lord Navnit Dholakia, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords complimented the IOC for their initiative to honour women. He noted that India has over 25
lakh women in its administration making the country proud.
He said "it is a time to celebrate the contribution India has made to the world." He said even people like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandelon were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
Lord Dholakia said for thousands of years, India suffered attacks and invasion from external forces but it has stood the test of time in safeguarding its culture and religions.
Virendra Sharma, MP, complimented the High Commission for organising the Independence Day this year in a large scale where there were over 40 stalls and he promised that number would be doubled next year, making it a real carnival.
D L Kalhan President of IOC said India has made remarkable progress since Independence and the world has started recognising it as an emerging economic power. "India has emerged as an economically vibrant and politically stable
democracy and we are all proud of it."
Councillor Sunil Chopra, General Secretary and Pobitra Ranjan Roy, Secretary, IOC (London) spoke about India's economic progress since Independence and steps the government has taken to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.