The 75th Independence Day, ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations got off to a colourful start on Sunday morning August 15, at Mahatma Gandhi Centre In Auckland where Auckland Indian Association organised the event with great pomp and show.
Many dignitaries including His Excellency Mr. Muktesh Pardeshi of High Commission, Hon Minister of Community Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Hon Minister of Transport Micheal Wood along with Melissa Lee Member of Parliament and Phill Goff Mayor of Auckland graced the event with their presence.
This was the first time that the High Commissioner hoisted the Indian tricolour on 15 August and delivered excerpts from the President of India’s address in Auckland. The usual practice has been for this ceremony to be hosted in the capital, Wellington.
The day started with the tradition of flag hoisting along with the singing of national anthem followed by the welcome speech from the President of Auckland Indian Association Dhansukh Lal.
“India has built a modern economy, the second fastest growing economy in the world, and has remained a democracy and lifted millions of people out of poverty.
“India is recognised as a major space and nuclear power over the last decade or so. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) was successfully launched in 2013, making India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first nation in the world to do so on its maiden attempt.” Mr Lal said.
Reminiscing the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous midnight speech when India won her independence, HE High Commissioner of India Mr Muktesh Pardeshi, congratulated the free nation on becoming “One of the most powerful countries in the world and making all Indians proud.”
The High Commission of India hosted a first of its kind event on the eve of Independence Day, specially screening the historical patriotic film, ‘Tanhaji’ to a full house of Kiwi-Indian at Event Cinemas on Queen street.
Many community leaders including Jeet Suchdev, Trustee of Bhartiya Samaj, took part in the celebrations conveying the message of peace and prosperity for the country. “This Independence Day once again we made our mark on the world by receiving a gold medal in Olympics and creating history, there is no greater gift to the nation than making the country proud.” Mr. Suchdev told the Indian Weekender. Members of Parliament as well as the New Zealand Police attended.
On the occasion, Minister for Ethnic Communities Ms Priyanca Radhakrishnan was presented with the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’ award for her contribution to public life in her adopted country, New Zealand. Ms Radhakrishnan became the first minister of Indian origin in New Zealand and joins only a handful of Kiw-Indians to have been conferred the award previously.
In her acceptance speech Ms Radhakrishnan said, “For me independence is an opportunity for us to remember and reflect on those many of who put their lives on the line to fight for freedom and fight freely in what they believe in.”
The award is normally conferred by the President of India at a special ceremony in New Delhi every January. But the pandemic has necessitated the 30-odd awards of this year to be presented by High Commissioners of India in their respective countries around the world on behalf of the President.
Brilliant performances by various dance groups drawn from almost every Indian diaspora organisation was enjoyed by a full house at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre auditorium that accommodated more than 1000 people on the day.
The day concluded with light, vegetarian refreshments, tea and beverages served to the everyone present.