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IRELAND INDIA COUNCIL CELEBRATED 75th INDEPENDENCE DAY (INDIA DAY) IN IRELAND 

A Vision for Ireland-India-EU in a post-COVID 

Dublin, Ireland, 15th August- Ireland India Council celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Independence of India at its 7th India Day event in Ireland. This Biggest India- related event was held virtually as part of the Ireland India Council's initiative to create and nurture vital inter-country cultural and commercial relationships in a post-COVID/BREXIT World. 

Mr. Seán Ó Fearghaíl, TD, Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann (Speaker of Lower House of Parliament) said, "I commend my many friends in the Ireland-India Council for their work in making this day happen again, in very difficult circumstances, and also the Council's many allies and supporters who work so hard to make this event such a memorable, warm and engaging event for all friends of India". 

Mr. Seán Fleming, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, addressed the attendees and appreciated the benefits that increased cooperation at all levels between India and Ireland could bring.

Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, highlighted the close interaction between Rabindranath Tagore and W.B. Yeats. "This relationship between the two poets is iconic of Indo-Irish connections". He emphasised that bilateral trade in goods between India and Ireland in 2018-2019 touched USD one billion. In the post COVID world, the Irish industry can massively contribute to India's technology sector. Indian health care professionals and specialists can also contribute to further strengthening the Irish health care system".

Prominent speakers at the event were Cllr Alison Gilliland, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Peter Kavanagh, Mayor of South Dublin County Council, and Cllr Lettie McCarthy, An Cathaoirleach, Dunlaoghaire -Rathdown County Council.

Keynote speakers at the event were Dr. Rajesh Mehta, Business Leader, International Consultant, and Columnist, Mr. Damien Nee, Ireland India Council, Dr. S K Varshney, Head of International Cooperation, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Prof Brian Norton, Head of Energy Research, Tyndall National Institute, and Mr. Michael Loftus, Vice President for External Affairs, MTU Munster Technological University.

Mr. Prashant Shukla paid gratitude to all participants, dignitaries, keynote speakers, Media, India Day Steering Committee, Irish Indian Musicians, Mr. Amey N Gawand, Mr. Francie Conway, Mr. Gerry Hanley, Mr. James Peppard, Singers Ms. Ruth Cahill, Mr. Shekhar Singh, and Monika Singh, Dancers, Ms. Divya Sunikumar and Aarushi Samal. Mr. Shukla expressed satisfaction that business collaborations and partnership is progressing well, and both our countries have huge potential.