A reception held in Dublin celebrates the newly formed Republic of India.
A constitution replaced the Government of India Act and the Dominion of India became the Republic of India on 26 January 1950. A reception was held by the Indian League in Dublin on 28 January 1950 to celebrate the newly formed Republic of India.
This is one of two recordings made at the reception held by the Indian League at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin.
William Norton, Minister for Social Welfare speaking at the event congratulated India on becoming a republic and wished the country and its people well for the future.
I wish you good luck and Godspeed in the bright and prospering road that opens before the Indian people.
A message from the Taoiseach John A Costello to the Indian League was also read out.
At the request of the Indian Ambassador Krishna Menon the flag of India was raised to the masthead by William Norton, before the start of the proceedings
Over 200 members of the Indian League and their friends were present. Krishna Menon, Indian Ambassador, members of the government and the diplomatic corps were joined by Sir Gilbert Laithwaite, United Kingdom Representative to Ireland.
Recording made for Radio Éireann News on 28 January 1950.
