Angela was honoured to attend the official opening of the new Indian consulate in Manchester – something she has long been campaigning for.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, who also attended the event at Emirates Old Trafford, said that this was the first time in almost 40 years that India has opened a consulate in the UK.
Angela said: “I am proud to celebrate the opening of the new Indian consulate in Manchester. This is a fantastic moment for our great city, and a fantastic moment for the UK-India relationship.
“The Indian diaspora in Greater Manchester has played a very important role in this region’s historic growth and success, and I am excited for us to be deepening this partnership.
“We are committed to delivering growth in every part of the country, the opening of the new consulate will help us deliver the Government’s Plan for Change, raising living standards across the region.
“It is a symbol of the UK and India’s commitment to working together to achieve shared growth for the benefit of both our nations.“
Angela also joined in with the celebrations at the Shree Bharatiya Mandal, Indian Association to mark 60 years of their members serving the community in Tameside.
The charity, officially registered as Shree Bharatiya Mandal, was established in 1964 following a significant influx of Indian migrants to Tameside from India and East Africa, many of whom sought employment in the local mills and eventually settled in the area.
The charity bought a former Catholic Primary School in 1972 which became a central hub for the Indian community. In 1999, the charity secured funding from the National Lottery, supplemented by donations from the community and well-wishers.
Angela said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate six decades of such a wonderful organisation that does so much to serve the local community.”