London Celebrates 50 Years of the Friends of India Society International
On June 30, the Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK marked its 50th anniversary in London, honoring dedicated leaders from the community with Lifetime Achievement awards.
Among the awardees was Virendra Sharma, a long-serving British Indian Labour MP, who recently retired, along with Lord Rami Ranger. Both were recognized for their continuous commitment to serving the Indian diaspora over the years at a special ceremony held at Bhavan UK.
Additionally, Conservative MP Bob Blackman was celebrated as a “Friend of India,” while the Akshaya Patra Foundation UK received accolades for its valuable community service.
FISI UK President Madhuresh Mishra spoke about the organization’s enduring mission, stating, “Our founding spirit of advocacy for India and the British Indian community remains as vital today as it was 50 years ago, especially with the changing dynamics of the India-UK relationship.”
The event also honored Dr. M N Nandakumara, Executive Director of Bhavan UK, who was recognized as a “Cultural Ambassador.” It gathered numerous community leaders and parliamentarians of Indian descent, including Navendu Mishra and Lord Uday Nagaraju.
Manoj Ladwa, founder of India Global Forum and keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of unity, saying, “The world does not need more division; it needs communities that can collaborate. FISI UK has been part of that journey for 50 years, and I hope its next 50 years will be even more ambitious.”
Kartik Pande, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, joined FISI UK members in launching SMRITI, a new initiative aimed at preserving the legacy of Indian pioneers in Britain.
Founded in 1976, FISI UK has been a strong advocate for democratic values and has worked hard to highlight the contributions of the British Indian community. With a new Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK set to take effect on July 15, FISI UK looks forward to continuing its mission of being a “living bridge” that fosters deeper ties between the two nations.
