London, England, February 26, 2024 Confluence, a beacon of cultural exchange, successfully hosted the grand "Bharat Mahotsav" festival from February 15th to 17th, 2024, at The Bhavan in London. The festival served as a platform to celebrate 'Amrit Kaal: Realising New India’s Vision 2047,' bringing together a diverse array of talents, dignitaries, and performers.
The festival was hosted by Lord Raj Loomba, the Lord Loomba CBE Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal. The chief guest for the event was Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Government of India. The guests of honour for the event were: Mr. Dusty Lane, Producer, Actor, Camera, and Electrical Department; Ms. T.J. Myers, Hollywood Actress, Producer, and Director; Dr. Gaurav Grover, Chairman of NDSWA; Mr. Mahendrasinh C. Jadeja (Dada), International Business Consultant and Social Activist; Mr. Darshan Singh Grewal, BJP Vice President (Overseas) and former mayor of Hounslow; Mr. Devinder Tyagi, Entrepreneur and Hotelier; Ms. Crystal Daiva, Entrepreneur Perfumes and Swarovski Jewellery Maker, among others. The media partners for the event are Lyca Radio and Lyca Gold.
Every day at the Mohotsav, there was a different activity on February 15, 2024. The festivities commenced with 'Swadeshi Manch' cultural performances, a music concert, dance performances, and dramas at The Bhavan, London, and an association with Sanskriti. There was a song launch by Dr. Amitabh Shrivastav (Amy) and Rahul B. Seth: “In every chord of 'Aham Bharatiyam,' weaves a tapestry of Indian pride, resonating with the soul of a nation, steadfast and wide" at Bhawan. Performing artists like Padma Shri Mahabir Singh Guddu, Ms. Suhani Dhanki Mody, Ms. Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Ms. Radhika Vekaria, Dr. Kamla Kaushik, Mr. Josh Moreland, Mr. Vishal Srivastav, Mr. Sandip Soparrkar, Ms. Simran Ahuja, Mrs. Vaishali Singh Choudhary, and others graced the stage with their exceptional talents.
On February 16, 2024, the "Swadeshi Parade" (fashion show) and 'Swadeshi Manch' (cultural performances) continued at The Nehru Centre, London, featuring a fashion show by renowned designers Ms. Rina Dhaka, Designer Dr. Smita Shrivastav of Smitha Banaras, promoting sustainable Banarsi handloom fashion, and Ms. Simran Ahuja, who handled the choreography. The show stopper was Sandeep Soparrkar. Simultaneously, on the same day, “MAAN KI BAAT” through the melody of ‘Maan ki Baat’, echoed nationwide, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision finds resonance, fostering unity and progress with each note, and “Jai Jai Siya Ram." A musical symphony epitomises Indian culture’s timeless resonance through its captivating melodies and profound spiritual essence. The song was launched by singers Amitabh Shrivastav (Amy) and Rahul B. Seth.
On February 17, 2024, the prestigious 'Bharat Gaurav Samman' (felicitation gala dinner) took place at the iconic House of Lords, the Parliament of the United Kingdom, SW1 AOPW.
The Prestigious Bharat Gaurav Samman Was Awarded To Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson Sangeet Natak Akadem, Padma Shri Shovana Narayan Indian Kathak Dancer, Dr. Sanjeev Chaudhary Consultant Chaudhary Hospital, Nagpur, Mr. Suresh Yadav Senior Director Office Of The Of Secretary General Of Commonwealth, Ms. Unnati Singh International Beauty Educator Celeb Makeup Artist, Social Worker, Founder- Unnati Singh Salon, MS. Nivedita Basu Senior Vice President, Atrangii, Mr. Bali Brahmbhatt (Playback Singer, Composer, Radio Presenter And Event Organiser), Ms. Ruby Raza Lyca Radio London, United Kingdom, Ms. Reema Virdee Founder And Director Of Rvedaa Limited - UK and India, Ms. Jyotsna Bhel Director & Curator Of Kiara Education Solution, Mr. Rahul B Seth "Music Composer, Singer, Lyricist, Voice Actor, Writer, Live Performer", Bardez The Best Indian Restaurant In Manchester, Mr. Vaibhav Bhargava Celebrity Chef.
The festival also witnessed the book launch of "Ramagya" by Vijay Kumar Srivastava and "The Evolving Mindset: A Psychological Lens into 21st Century Youth Culture" by Myra Grover.
The Confluence aims to promote culture and trade, art, startups, innovations, sustainable development, Indian fashion, handloom, tribal products, tourism, women empowerment, the heritage of India, entrepreneurship, empowerment, business development, networking opportunities, addressing environmental concerns, and felicitating people with excellence in their respective fields.
“Bharat Mahotsav” is dedicated to the people of India and the Indian diaspora overseas; it is a reflection of socio-cultural, political, and economic identity.
Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Honourable Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India, shared her enthusiasm for the 'Bharat Mahotsav' festival, stating, 'This grand celebration of 'Amrit Kaal: Realising New India’s Vision 2047' at the heart of London showcases the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage. 'Bharat Mahotsav' is a testament to the vibrant spirit and unity that define our great nation. It is an opportunity for the world to witness India's journey and aspirations, fostering cultural exchanges and strengthening global bonds.'"
Dr. Amitabh Shrivastav, Curator of Bharat Mahotsav, and Dr. Smita Shrivastav, Founder and President of Confluence, expressed, "Bharat Mahotsav has been a celebration of unity, culture, and progress, aligning with the vision of a new India by 2047."
