V K Krishna Menon Institute marks 124th birth anniversary of statesman’s birth

LONDON May 7: Sunday 3rdMay 2020 marked the 124th birth anniversary of VK Krishna Menon, India’s first High Commissioner in London, union minister of India and pioneering London councillor.

Krishna Menon founded the India League, the unofficial embassy of British India in London, which became a powerful force in the overseas movement for India’s freedom struggle.

Under normal circumstances, Krishna Menon’s birthday would be marked by an event hosted by the London based VK Krishna Menon Institute.

Historians, politicians and members of the public traditionally gather at the Indian High Commission’s Nehru Centre to reflect on aspects of Menon’s life and work and to consider the relevance of his legacy to contemporary society.

The coronavirus pandemic means that this year’s event has had to be postponed but it is right to remember Menon’s considerable contribution to the development of modern India and the Indian diaspora at this moment of global crisis.

Director of the VK Krishna Menon Institute, Dr Cyriac Maprayil observed, “Krishna Menon stood for something greater than himself and made a lasting contribution to India, Britain and the World.

“At this uniquely challenging moment in world history it is worth noting the massive contribution being made by members of the Indian diaspora who are helping to tackle the current crisis.

Thousands of Indian doctors, nurses, hospital porters, police officers, administrators, delivery drivers, shop staff and others who deliver essential services are potentially putting themselves in harm’s way every single day.

We humbly and gratefully acknowledge their dedication and sacrifice. Each and every one is, often unwittingly, walking in Menon’s footsteps and reminds us of the huge contribution of members of the Indian diaspora to modern Britain and so many other nations around the globe.”

V K Krishna Menon Institute Board member, Tony Slater commented, “We may not be able to mark Menon’s birthday in the usual way this year, but we should pause to remember his considerable impact.

We look forward to a time when we can come together once again to reflect on Krishna Menon’s remarkable achievements on the domestic and international stage and their relevance to the modern world.”