On June 2nd, 1953, a historic event took place at Westminster Abbey in London, England. King George VI had passed away in February of that year, and his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, was set to be crowned as the new monarch. The coronation was a grand affair, with dignitaries from all over the world attending. However, one particular group stood out: the Indian community workers.
At the time, the Indian community in the UK was relatively small, and many faced discrimination and racism. Despite this, a group of Indian community workers was invited to attend the coronation as a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. The decision to invite them was a significant one, as it demonstrated a willingness to embrace multiculturalism and break down barriers.
The group of Indian community workers consisted of 20 men and women, who were all employed in various capacities in London. They were invited to attend the coronation by the then Lord Mayor of London, Sir Denys Lowson. The invitation was a symbolic gesture, meant to represent the contribution of the Indian community to British society.
On the day of the coronation, the Indian community workers wore their traditional attire, which included colorful saris, turbans, and other traditional garments. They were greeted with cheers and applause from the crowds lining the streets of London as they made their way to Westminster Abbey.
Once inside, they took their seats alongside other dignitaries and guests. Their presence added a touch of diversity and inclusivity to the ceremony, which was otherwise quite traditional and formal. The coronation itself was a grand affair, with the new queen being crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The presence of the Indian community workers at the coronation was a significant moment in British history. It demonstrated a willingness to embrace diversity and celebrate different cultures, which was not always the case at the time. It also paved the way for greater acceptance and integration of the Indian community into British society.
Today, the Indian community in the UK is much larger and more integrated into society. However, the legacy of the Indian community workers who attended the coronation lives on. They helped to break down barriers and promote inclusivity, which is something that we can all celebrate and learn from.
