India’s 80th Independence Day celebrated at Siddhashram London in historic gathering of saints, parliamentarians and community leaders
Mahamandaleshwars, Peethadhishwars, Akhada Mahants and leading spiritual figures join Independence Day celebrations at International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK
Padma Shri Bob Blackman CBE MP and Cllr Janet Mote join H.H. Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji and revered saints as the Tricolour is unfurled in Harrow
London | Saturday, 15 August 2026
India’s 80th Independence Day was celebrated with exceptional spiritual and patriotic fervour at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK in Harrow, London, as revered saints from India and around the world joined British parliamentarians, civic representatives, community leaders and devotees for a memorable Flag Hoisting Ceremony.
The celebration assumed special significance as, for the first time at Siddhashram’s Independence Day commemoration, an extraordinary assembly of Mahamandaleshwars, Peethadhishwars, Akhada Mahants and leading saints from different spiritual traditions stood together beneath the Indian Tricolour to celebrate the spirit of freedom and offer their blessings for India, its people and Indians across the world.
The ceremony was held in the divine presence of Sanatan Dharma Bhushan H.H. Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, Founder of International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK, alongside Padma Shri Bob Blackman CBE MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East, and Cllr Janet Mote, Cabinet Member for Community & Culture at Harrow Council, who attended the celebration representing the Mayor of Harrow as well.
The occasion brought together spirituality and patriotism, India and Britain, and generations of the Indian diaspora in a vibrant celebration of freedom, culture, service and unity.
Tricolour unfurled amid chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’
The morning began with the ceremonial gathering of saints, dignitaries and members of the community at the premises of International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, 22 Palmerston Road, Harrow.
In an atmosphere filled with pride and devotion, the Indian National Flag was hoisted, followed by the National Anthem as the assembled gathering paid tribute to India and remembered the sacrifices of those whose courage and determination secured the country’s freedom.
The premises resonated with patriotic spirit as saints, community leaders, children and families joined together in celebrating the Tricolour.
The flag-hoisting ceremony was followed by patriotic songs, cultural performances and special presentations celebrating India’s freedom, heritage and civilisational values.
‘India’s strength is its culture, values and unity’ — H.H. Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji
Addressing the gathering, H.H. Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji said that Independence Day is not only an occasion to celebrate freedom, but also an opportunity for Indians around the world to remember their responsibilities towards their country, culture and future generations.
Guruji said: “Wherever we may live in the world, Bharat remains in our hearts. Our Tricolour represents not only our freedom, but also the sacrifices, courage and dreams of generations who built our nation.”
“India’s true strength is its ancient culture, spiritual wisdom and unity in diversity. We must remain connected to our roots while contributing positively to the countries in which we live. Our responsibility is to strengthen Sanatan values, connect communities and spread the message of peace, harmony and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
Bob Blackman MP celebrates India-UK friendship
Padma Shri Bob Blackman CBE MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East, addressed the gathering and joined the saints and community in celebrating India’s Independence Day.
His presence carried particular significance given his longstanding association with the British Indian and Hindu communities and his contribution towards strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and India.
Mr Blackman, who has been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the United Kingdom, congratulated the Indian community on the milestone Independence Day and reflected on the importance of the relationship between the two countries and the contribution of the Indian diaspora to British society.
Cllr Janet Mote represents Mayor of Harrow
Cllr Janet Mote addressed the gathering and extended her greetings on India’s 80th Independence Day.
Cllr Mote, who served as Mayor of Harrow from 2022 to 2023 and currently serves as Cabinet Member for Community & Culture, recognised the contribution made by the Indian community to the social, cultural and civic life of Harrow.
The presence of British parliamentary and civic representatives alongside revered Indian saints reflected the strong bonds between India and the United Kingdom, as well as the important role played by the Indian diaspora in connecting the two nations.
Historic presence of revered saints
The Independence Day celebration was distinguished by an extraordinary gathering of spiritual leaders who had come together in London as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK and its historic Sant Sansad initiative.
Among those present were Jagadguru Swami Chakrapani Nand Giri Ji Maharaj, National President of Sant Mahasabha and Hindu Mahasabha; Pujya Shri Pandokhar Sarkar Ji Maharaj, Peethadhishwar of Pandokhar Dham, Datia, Madhya Pradesh; Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swami Ji Maharaj, Founder and Head of International Sadguru Foundation and Peethadhishwar and Supreme Authority of Shree Datta Padmanabh Peeth, Goa; and Shri Chinmayanand Bapu Ji, Hindu spiritual leader from Haridwar.
Also present were Jain saint Pujya Shri Devendra Brahmachari Ji; Mahamandaleshwar Swami Yatindranand Giri Ji Maharaj of Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, Haridwar; Pujya S.P. Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Gadhada; Mahant Shri Rishishwaranand Ji Maharaj, Head of Chetan Jyoti Ashram, Haridwar; and Shrimahant Narayan Giri Ji Maharaj, Peethadhishwar of the historic Shree Dudheshwar Nath Mahadev Math Mandir, Ghaziabad, and President of Delhi Sant Mahamandal.
The spiritual gathering also included Swami Niranjan Maharaj of Purusharth Ashram Sewa Trust, Haridwar; Mahant Shri Batuk Giri Ji Maharaj of Atal Ashram, Surat; Gurumata Brahmidevi Ji of Shree Datta Padmanabh Peeth, Goa; Vijay Baba; and Bhavna Puri Ji of Kali Temple, Melbourne, Australia.
The saints collectively offered their blessings for India’s continued peace, prosperity and progress and for harmony across the world.
As part of the celebration, distinguished community representatives and individuals who have contributed to society were recognised in the presence of the revered saints.
In a symbolic gesture of patriotism and unity, community leaders and guests were honoured with Indian Tricolour khes and Tricolour caps, reflecting pride in India and the enduring connection of the diaspora with its motherland.
The ceremony also acknowledged the contribution of volunteers, trustees, community organisations and families who continue to preserve and promote Indian culture and values in the United Kingdom.
Issued by:
International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK
Silver Jubilee — Celebrating 25 Years of Sanatan Seva, Community Service and Spiritual Leadership
Harrow, London, United Kingdom
