Latest news with #CommonwealthDay2025
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Commonwealth Day 2025: When is it celebrated in India? Check date, theme, history & significance
Commonwealth Day 2025: In India, Commonwealth Day 2025 will be observed on May 24. This is different from most Commonwealth countries that celebrate it on March 10, 2025. The date in India marks the birth anniversary of Queen Victoria. She was born on May 24, 1819. This shows India's historical link to the British Empire. What is Commonwealth Day 2025? Commonwealth Day 2025 will be celebrated on May 24 in India. The day brings together 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. They come together to celebrate shared values, history, and cooperation. This year, the events will focus on unity, diversity, and sustainable development. Commonwealth Day 2025 Theme: 'Together We Thrive' The official theme for Commonwealth Day 2025 is 'Together We Thrive.' It highlights unity, resilience, and shared progress. The theme celebrates the collective spirit of the 56 Commonwealth nations. It also shows the power of cooperation among people across the world. History of Commonwealth Day and Its Observance in India Commonwealth Day was originally called Empire Day. It was first celebrated in 1904. The day honoured the British Empire and Queen Victoria's birthday. In 1958, UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan renamed it Commonwealth Day. Most Commonwealth countries now observe it on the second Monday in March. But, India still celebrates it on May 24. This keeps the tradition linked to Queen Victoria's birth. Significance of Commonwealth Day 2025 for India Historical Ties: The day shows India's colonial past. It also tells the story of India's growth as an important Commonwealth member since 1947. Cultural Unity: It helps promote cultural exchange and better understanding among Commonwealth countries. Global Cooperation: India uses the Commonwealth to support diplomacy, trade, and deal with global issues like climate change. Youth and Development: The day highlights youth empowerment and sustainable development, matching the Commonwealth's values. How is Commonwealth Day Celebrated in India? In India, Commonwealth Day is celebrated by: Educational programs that teach about the Commonwealth's values. Cultural events that show India's diverse heritage and its ties to the Commonwealth. Ceremonies honouring Queen Victoria's legacy and the day's historical importance. Commonwealth Day 2025: Key Facts and Dates Below are the important facts and dates for Commonwealth day 2025 listed:
The Independent
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
King and Queen welcomed at Commonwealth Day Reception
The King and Queen were welcomed at Marlborough House for a reception to mark Commonwealth Day 2025. The third event of Commonwealth Day 2025, Charles and Camilla were guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, who welcomed them to the reception under a decadent flower arch. The event was marked with a commemorative song by Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber, who attended the event. Charles shared a laugh with Foreign Secretary David Lammy as he greeted guests. The King and Queen met 30 guests, including the Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mataafa. This marked the pair's first meeting since the Royal visit to the country in October 2024. The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, was also introduced to the winners of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize, Imam Dr Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa and Rev Dr James Movel Wuye. Opening the ceremony, Baroness Scotland said: 'Your excellencies. Welcome to Marlborough House as we continue to celebrate the Commonwealth's special day. Our shared commitment to peace, security, respect and understanding is absolute.' 'We have a very special moment for you all. As we hear the very first performance of the commonwealth peace prize which has been produced by arguably the most influential composer in the history of musical theatre, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.' She added in jest: 'Should I say that Andrew's wonderful piece is only surpassed by his Majesty's Apple playlist,' referencing the King's Music Room Show. The song, composed by Lord Lloyd-Webber and performed by pupils of The BRIT School and members of the Queen's College Oxford Choir, was called 'Love in Peace' and was adapted from Lord Lloyd-Webber's musical The Beautiful Game. After the performance, the King who was sitting next to Lord Lloyd-Webber, patted him on the back and applauded. The two soloists, Lucia Mahoney-Castineiras and Reece Christian, both 18, described performing in front of the King and Queen as 'nerve-racking'. Mr Christain, a student of the BRIT School, told the PA News Agency: 'It was so nerve-racking but I'm really happy we did it. It was an exciting moment.' Ms Mahoney-Castineiras added: 'It was such a surreal experience, and we get to say such a big message. 'To perform in front of the King and to send him this message that we all want peace, it's insane.' On working with Lord Lloyd-Webber, who helped them go through the lyrics and understand the meaning, she added: 'He's really fun, he's such a cool guy.' The King and Queen then moved around the busy room, speaking and shaking hands with various guests. He told one guest: 'I am very sad to have to say goodbye'. He was then overheard to joke, 'go without me' to his security. Guests who met the King described him as 'so humble' as they talked of how he listened to what they had to say about issues facing young people. Faye Nimoh, a guest from Commonwealth Youth, described meeting Charles as 'lovely'. 'He said that he's proud that I'm representing the youth and he believes that I'm a budding politician. 'It was actually more casual than I expected. He's a very calm and relaxed gentleman. 'I almost forgot I was talking to the King at one point, he felt like a home person.' In his annual Commonwealth Day message, Charles said: 'Leaders recently reiterated the importance of collaboration for peace and human rights, as well as for the restoration of nature both on land and in the oceans. 'As we mark Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet. 'For the sake of our younger generations' threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
King and Queen welcomed at Commonwealth Day Reception
The King and Queen were welcomed at Marlborough House for a reception to mark Commonwealth Day 2025. The third event of Commonwealth Day 2025, Charles and Camilla were guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, who welcomed them to the reception under a decadent flower arch. The event was marked with a commemorative song by Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber, who attended the event. Charles shared a laugh with Foreign Secretary David Lammy as he greeted guests. The King and Queen met 30 guests, including the Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mataafa. This marked the pair's first meeting since the Royal visit to the country in October 2024. The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, was also introduced to the winners of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize, Imam Dr Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa and Rev Dr James Movel Wuye. Opening the ceremony, Baroness Scotland said: 'Your excellencies. Welcome to Marlborough House as we continue to celebrate the Commonwealth's special day. Our shared commitment to peace, security, respect and understanding is absolute.' 'We have a very special moment for you all. As we hear the very first performance of the commonwealth peace prize which has been produced by arguably the most influential composer in the history of musical theatre, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.' She added in jest: 'Should I say that Andrew's wonderful piece is only surpassed by his Majesty's Apple playlist,' referencing the King's Music Room Show. The song, composed by Lord Lloyd-Webber and performed by pupils of The BRIT School and members of the Queen's College Oxford Choir, was called 'Love in Peace' and was adapted from Lord Lloyd-Webber's musical The Beautiful Game. After the performance, the King who was sitting next to Lord Lloyd-Webber, patted him on the back and applauded. The two soloists, Lucia Mahoney-Castineiras and Reece Christian, both 18, described performing in front of the King and Queen as 'nerve-racking'. Mr Christain, a student of the BRIT School, told the PA News Agency: 'It was so nerve-racking but I'm really happy we did it. It was an exciting moment.' Ms Mahoney-Castineiras added: 'It was such a surreal experience, and we get to say such a big message. 'To perform in front of the King and to send him this message that we all want peace, it's insane.' On working with Lord Lloyd-Webber, who helped them go through the lyrics and understand the meaning, she added: 'He's really fun, he's such a cool guy.' The King and Queen then moved around the busy room, speaking and shaking hands with various guests. He told one guest: 'I am very sad to have to say goodbye'. He was then overheard to joke, 'go without me' to his security. Guests who met the King described him as 'so humble' as they talked of how he listened to what they had to say about issues facing young people. Faye Nimoh, a guest from Commonwealth Youth, described meeting Charles as 'lovely'. 'He said that he's proud that I'm representing the youth and he believes that I'm a budding politician. 'It was actually more casual than I expected. He's a very calm and relaxed gentleman. 'I almost forgot I was talking to the King at one point, he felt like a home person.' In his annual Commonwealth Day message, Charles said: 'Leaders recently reiterated the importance of collaboration for peace and human rights, as well as for the restoration of nature both on land and in the oceans. 'As we mark Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet. 'For the sake of our younger generations' threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony.'
Express Tribune
17-02-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
C'Wealth Day being observed today
LONDON: Commonwealth Day 2025 will be celebrated across the 56 member countries today under the theme of 'Together We Thrive'. Announcing he theme of the day, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has said that "Commonwealth Day was an opportunity to "reaffirm our shared commitment" to the principles of unity, peace, and equality. "The theme of 'Together We Thrive' encapsulates the strength of the Commonwealth Family – a network of nations working together to uplift all citizens and build a future defined by opportunity and resilience," Scotland added. Millions across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific, and Europe are expected to take part in the annual observance. A series of activities will take place throughout March, including civic and interfaith gatherings, school assemblies, debates, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural celebrations.
