The Independence Ball - Monday 11 June 2007, The Hilton, Park Lane

On Monday evening The Independence Ball at The Hilton, Park Lane will be celebrating 60 years of Independence for India and Pakistan with an inspirational event attended by 450 of the country’s leading Indian and Pakistani business men and women and their guests.

The diverse audience will comprise industry leaders from a wide range of sectors including Advertising, Agriculture & Farming, Aviation, Banking (Corporate & Private), Branding, Engineering, Entertainment, Healthcare & Nursing, Hotel & Leisure, Insurance, Media (Television & Radio), Mining, Property, Restaurants & Catering, Retail, Sport, Textiles, Telecommunications and Travel & Tourism. The event will also be attended by the Indian and Pakistani High Commissioners and the Rt Hon David Cameron MP.

Co-Chairs of The Independence Ball, Shabir Janmohamed and Seema Kumar, said:

“The Independence Ball is not only a celebration of the 60^th Anniversary of Independence of India and Pakistan but also a celebration of the strong and industrious relationships between Britain, India, Pakistan and their peoples. We are also delighted to be supporting Operation Smile – a charity which by repairing childhood facial deformities creates smiles and changes lives around the globe.”

Conservative Party Chairman, Francis Maude MP, said:

“We are delighted to be building on the success of our Bollywood Night event with The Independence Ball. It is great to be celebrating 60 years of Independence for Pakistan and India. This event not only celebrates the important ties between the two countries and Britain but also the significant contributions made by those living here to our national life. I hope all our guests have a fantastic evening.”

The evening will also support the ongoing work of Operation Smile (UK) and its involvement in India and development of its work into Pakistan. Throughout the world, Operation Smile volunteers repair childhood facial deformities while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families. Through its work Operation Smile creates smiles and changes lives.

Images and footage of the evening will be available on the morning of Tuesday 12 June from the Conservative Press Office by calling 020 7984 8250 or emailing giles.bancroft@conservatives.com either prior to or following the event.

For further information of The Independence Ball contact PAUL SAVIDENT on 020 8567 2089 or 07966 014911, alternatively email paul@savident.com.