Crowds cheer India home rule

Indian Independence Day celebrations at Q.E Hall Centre Mayoress Di Heffernan, Association President Shashi Mohandas,Secretary Sasi Patel and Mayor Cllr Derek Heffernan

CELEBRATIONS were in order to mark India's 69th independence day.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall was packed with huge crowds from all over Greater Manchester to join in the celebrations on Monday evening.

The day commemorates India's independence from the British Empire on August 15, 1947. Pakistan celebrates its independence day on August 14.

Award-winning Indian singer Navin Kundra made the crowds go wild, while up and coming young singer Shyam Panchmatia from Stockport performed brilliantly for the occasion.

The president of Indian Association Shashibhai Mohandas welcomed everyone and reminded everyone of the long struggle for independence and the incredible progress India has made since.

He said despite numerous problems faced by natural calamities, India has now become one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham Derek and Di Heffernan are pictured (front) with Association president Shashi Mohandas, secretary Sasi Patel and other guests.