India’s 75th Independence Day celebrated with fervour in Auckland

India’s 75th Independence Day was celebrated lots of joy and fervour in New Zealand. A grand celebration took place under the joint efforts of Indian High Commission in Wellington and Auckland Indian Association, at Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Auckland on Sunday 15th August.

Programme started with the flag hoisting of Indian tricolour by the Indian High Commissioner HE Muktesh Pardeshi and all the gathered attendees sang the nation anthem in unison. More than 1500 people took part in over 3-hour long event which saw the representation from people of Indian diaspora, representatives of various organisations, community leaders, leaders from all political parties, invited Ministers and MPs. A very large number of participants presented various song, dance, and cultural performances. The programme ended well after 1 o’clock.

India born New Zealand cabinet’s first Indian origin Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan was one of the 30 recipients of this year’s ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’ award from President of India. India’s High Commissioner Muktesh Pardeshi read the citation of award from the President of India before presenting the award to Ms Priyanca who received the award amid thunderous applause from the crowd. Priyanca later thanked Indian government and Indian community for bestowing honour upon her. The main speaker at the event was HE Muktesh Pardeshi who announced the year long celebration under the banner of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” throughout New Zealand to commemorate the 75 years of India’s Independence. Indian High Commissioner read some excerpts from the Independence Day address by the Hon’ble President of India. Mr Pardeshi also appealed to Auckland Mayor Phil Goff to designate a prominent public place in Auckland to install a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the 75th year of independence. Statue will be gifted by the government of India as installing the Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in New Zealand has been a long-standing demand of Indian community.

Prominent attendees at the programme were Ministers Priyanca Radhakrishnan and Michael Wood, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Members of Parliament Ms Vanushi Walters, Ms Melissa Lee, Mt Ibrahim Omer and Mr Bhav Dhillon, Hon Consul of India in Auckland. Indian High Commissioner also awarded the winners of Bharat KO Janiye Quiz 2020-2021 and gave certificates to the winners of Yoga Photo competition IDY 2021 “Yoga in Action”. High Commissioner also launched an e-booklet of 75 Māori Quotes. The cultural programme at Auckland showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. Participants and attendees at the programme were served snacks and tea on this ocassion.

- Yugal Parashar (Please note this story was written before the alert level 4 lockdown)