Minister, Lord Provost, High Commissioner, Ladies and gentlemen, friends and colleagues, It is an honour to be here with you today, representing the UK Government and the Scotland Office, at this deeply meaningful event.
Before I begin, I would like to say how extremely saddened I was following the tragic news of the Air India plane crash. On behalf of the UK Government, I send out heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts remain with them, and with the people of India, at what has been a very difficult time.
Today, we gather to celebrate the life and legacy of one of India’s most remarkable figures – Rabindranath Tagore. This statue is not only a tribute to a literary and philosophical giant, but also a powerful symbol of the shared values and enduring ties between India and the UK – and between India and Scotland, in particular. A towering intellect and visionary, Tagore was a true polymath; a pioneer of Bengali literature, passionate educator, a composer, a poet, and a champion of global humanism.
This beautifully sculpted bust, stands as a tribute to Tagore’s remarkable contributions. Its placement in this garden – facing the bust of one of Scotland’s own pioneering sons – Sir Patrick Geddes, is a profoundly moving gesture. It reunites two great thinkers, and close friends, who shared deep commitments to education, ecological awareness and the belief that humanity is at its best when we learn across cultures.
Their symbolic reunion here is a touching tribute. I hope that this space becomes a place of reflection and inspiration for students, academics, local residents and visitors alike – serving as a lasting reminder of the importance of curiosity, creativity and cultural dialogue.
The links between our countries are long-standing and deeply rooted – historically, culturally and socially. From educational exchanges, to growing economic cooperation and our long-standing mutual love for cricket (albeit perhaps not so much in Scotland as elsewhere in the UK), the UK-India relationship continues to evolve. The recent signing of the UK-India trade deal highlights this deepening partnership.
We’re proud of the strong educational links between Scotland and India. Thousands of Indian students choose to study at Scottish universities each year, bringing fresh perspectives, energy and talent to our academic communities.
The UK Government deeply values our relationship with India, and the Scotland Office is committed to supporting this through Brand Scotland – a long term international trade and investment initiative. It’s our commitment to promoting Scotland’s world-class industries and forging new partnerships globally.
Finally, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the Indian Consulate, the Indian High Commission and the Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies for bringing us together to celebrate this special occasion – it really is a pleasure to be here. I look forward to speaking with many of you this afternoon, and to continuing to build on the friendship between India, Scotland and the wider United Kingdom.