Org by IHA Foundation supported by United Interfaith Foundation – India Hosted by Satnam Singh Ahluwalia (Chairman IHA Foundation) Wednesday, 13th August 2025 | The Bengal Club, Kolkata.

In a resplendent display of patriotism, unity, and cultural harmony, the IHA Foundation, supported by United Interfaith Foundation – India, organized a remarkable celebration, hosted by Satnam Singh Ahluwalia on India’s 79th Independence Day at the historic Bengal Club on Wednesday evening.

The theme of the evening, “Our India, Our Pride – Unity in Diversity”, came alive through an evening that brought together an extraordinary gathering — diplomats from various nations, senior officers of the armed forces and police, civic authorities, interfaith leaders, industrialists, artists, social workers, and citizens from every walk of life. The celebration honoured not just the nation’s freedom, but the values that sustain it — inclusion, mutual respect, and the enduring strength of diversity. The programme started with an Interfaith Prayer Ceremony led by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza and Satnam Singh Ahluwalia along with spiritual and interfaith leaders representing various faiths offered prayers for peace, harmony, and national unity followed with a formal welcome address, setting the tone with reflections on the theme “Our India, Our Pride – Unity in Diversity.”

The evening became a living canvas, painted with the artistry and emotion of its performers. Each act carried the audience on a journey — from the swell of patriotic songs that resonated with the heartbeats of a proud nation, to the grace of classical dance and the vibrant pulse of folk rhythms, and to the evocative recitations that drew from Bengal’s treasured literary heritage. Every performance was more than an offering of art; it was a personal invocation of sacrifice, hope, and the enduring triumph of freedom.

In this radiant flow of talent, Tanni Choudhary’s dance was a vision to behold — each movement an unspoken verse, each gesture an echo of the struggles and dreams that define Independence Day. Her elegance, precision, and emotive depth held the audience spellbound. Soon after, the hall was bathed in the golden tones of Shahana Ali Khan’s voice. The daughter of Padmashri Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan of the illustrious Kirana Gharana, she delivered Ae Watan aabad rahe tu with such sincerity and soul that the notes seemed to linger in the air long after they were sung — a melody woven with both pride and reverence for the motherland. Badge of Honour were given by Citizens of Kolkata, where four distinguished recipients — representing the armed forces, police, civic leadership, and heritage restoration — were felicitated with citations and tokens of gratitude embodying their spirit of service and nation- building:Major General Rajesh A Moghe, VSM, GOC Bengal Sub Area – representing the Indian Armed Forces for their unmatched courage and unwavering devotion in safeguarding India’s sovereignty.

Shri Manoj Kumar Verma, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata Police – representing the Kolkata Police Forces for their steadfast commitment to peace, dignity, and public safety of the City Mudhar Patherya & Miraj D Shah, Kolkata Restorers – for their exceptional work in illuminating and restoring 78 iconic heritage structures, preserving the city’s legacy. Jb Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata – representing the Kolkata Municipal Corporation for visionary leadership and compassionate governance in creating a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Kolkata.Each award was accompanied by a heartfelt citation, met with warm applause from the audience.

Amidst the gentle glow of twilight, representatives from a kaleidoscope of religious traditions converged, each bringing their unique wisdom and perspective to the table. Present were Archbishop Thomas D’Souza (President of United Interfaith Foundation – India), Dr.Satnam Singh Ahluwalia (General Secretary Gurdwara Behala and General Secretary United Interfaith Foundation – India and Chairman IHA Foundation, Moulana Qari Fazlur Rahman (Imam-E- Eidaan, Senior Imam West Bengal), Ervard Jimmy Taraporwalla, Head Priest Parsi Fire Temple (Parsi), Nanak Sambtani (Sindhi), Br. Divakar Chaitanya (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust), Swami Achyutananda (International Vedanta Society), Tahir Faizalbuoy (Member of Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat (Bohra), Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj (Jain Monk), Dr Buddha Priya Mahathero (Buddhist), Imran Zaki (Vice President UIFI and President FACES), Rev Martin Pakhare (Pressbyter Church of North India), Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj (Jain Monk), Maharishi Giri Surya Swami (Gangasagar), Moulana Syed Meher Abbas Rizvi (Member, Waqf Board, WB), Madam Aiyu Liu (Chapter President Buddha Light International Association), Ven Miao Ru (Chief Nun Buddha Light International Association) and others presenting a steadfast advocate for unity, and luminaries spanning the breadth of religious spectrum - their collective presence illuminated the path towards peaceful coexistenceThe celebration was honoured by the gracious presence of eminent representatives from diverse corners of our nation, each carrying the unique heritage of their homeland. Among them were Shri Deep Raj Roy (Tripura), Mrs. Orihana Ojha (Assamese Cultural Association), Mr. Hiten Hatkhowa (Assamese Cultural Association), Unnikrishnan (Malayalee Samaj), Harjinder Singh (Bihari Samaj), Randhir Singh (Kshatriya Samaj), Subrata Sharma (Tripura), and N. Gopi (Malayalam Samaj). The occasion was further elevated by the distinguished presence of eminent dignitaries and leaders from various spheres, including AVM A.R. Shendye (Advance HQ Eastern Command), Col Tarun Tyagi (Col Land Eastern Command), Mr. Jhakka Prasad Acharya (Consul General, Nepal), Mr. Janak Raj Bhatta (Deputy Consul General, Nepal), Mr. Maxim V. Kozlov (Consul General, Russia), Ms. Benjapa Tubthong (Deputy Consul General, Thailand), Mr. Sovandeb Chattopadhyay (Minister, Government of West Bengal), Jb Nadimul Haq (MP, Rajya Sabha), Ms. Dola Sen (MP, Rajya Sabha), Sri Debasish Kumar (MLA and MMIC, KMC), Sri Ashim Bose (MMIC, KMC), Smt Supti Pande (MLA, West Bengal), Sri Kunal Ghosh, Sri Debasish Dutta (President, Mohun Bagan), and Sri Ishtiaque Raju (General Secretary, Mohammedan Sporting Club), among others. Together, their presence embodied the living spirit of India’s unity in diversity, standing as a vibrant reminder that the soul of our nation is woven from many cultures, yet beats with one heart. Addressing the gathering, Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman of IHA Foundation and General Secretary of the United Interfaith Foundation – India, said “Independence Day is not just about remembering the past — it is about renewing our pledge to safeguard the unity that defines our nation. Tonight, we have honoured the protectors, the builders, and the preservers of India’s soul. This is our tribute to those who keep the spirit of freedom alive through service, courage, and compassion.”

Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, President of the United Interfaith Foundation – India, remarked: “India’s diversity is not a challenge — it is a blessing. This evening has shown that when faith communities, civic leaders, and citizens work together, we become stronger as a nation. Unity does not erase differences; it honours them as part of one shared destiny.” Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman of IHA Foundation and General Secretary of the United Interfaith Foundation – India further added that, “Starting from the blood-soaked fields of Punjab to the revolutionary streets of Bengal, the story of India’s freedom is written in the courage of its sons and daughters. Bengal ignited the spark of resistance, and Punjab carried its flame through the darkest hours — together weaving a tapestry of sacrifice, resilience, and unity that still inspires our nation. On this Independence Day, let us honour not just the freedom we inherited, but the shared spirit that binds our histories forever.” The celebrations concluded with the Unity Pledge, where attendees stood hand-in-hand to reaffirm their commitment to the upload the Constitution and the shared dream of a united India, before the evening ended over dinner and warm camaraderie among guests The 79th Independence Day celebration at the Bengal Club was more than a ceremonial gathering — it was a living statement of India’s greatest strength: the ability to remain united while embracing diversity.

As the tricolour fluttered against the Kolkata night sky, one message rang clear: Freedom is our gift; unity is our responsibility.