The tradition of all major community organisations of Auckland coming together to host one joint Independence Day celebration has not lost its sheen in the last two successive years of Covid related disruption, as big crowds of the Kiwi-Indian community descended on Mahatma Gandhi Centre on Sunday, August 21.
If there was any iota of doubt that the previously demonstrated mutually shared resolve of most diaspora organisations in Auckland to host one common celebration of India’s national day events has eroded in the last two disruptive years of the Covid and consequent inaction, was firmly laid to rest, as thousands of people came together for the flag hoisting and colourful cultural performances.
To mark the special occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day and coinciding with the chain of global events as the part of the government of India’s Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebrations, a battery of dignitaries, both local and from overseas, including a special cultural troupe from India attended the event.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion, key were, Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff; Minister of Immigration, Transport & Workplace Relations, Michael Wood; Minister of Ethnic Communities, Priyanca Radhakrishnan; Associate Minister of Immigration Phil Twyford; National Party Leader Chris Luxon; Labour Party MP Dr Deborah Russell; Dr Annae Neru Levasa; National Party MP Chris Penk; former Kiwi-Indian MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi; Auckland Mayoral candidate Efeso Collins; former Governor General of NZ Sir Anand Satyanand, Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillon, the newly appointed Charge de Affairs at the High Commission of India, Wellington, Mukesh Ghiya, and Padma Shri awardee celebrity chef of India, Sanjeev Kapoor.
The Indian tricolour was hoisted sharp at 10.30 am from the stage collectively by all dignitaries and prominent community leaders – in a show of unity and togetherness – and was immediately followed by the singing of India’s national anthem and loud cheers of Bharat Mata ki Jai.
The event had an unmistakable sense of patriotism to mark India’s Independence Day celebrations and an accompanying sense of jubilation after having missed the opportunity to come together in such big numbers in the last two years.
Cultural performances from every region of India
Auckland Indian Diaspora Organisation – the overarching body of more than forty community associations of Auckland – ensured that the cultural programme showcased the rich culture of every region of India.
Anuradha School of Dance presented a wonderful medley/amalgamation of four classical dance forms from four regions of India including three from the southern states – Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Mohiniyattam (Kerala) and Kathak (Uttar Pradesh – North India).
Special Bhangra troupe from India
A special Bhangra troupe was sent by the government of India’s Indian Council of Cultural Relations to perform at India’s Independence Day celebrations event in Auckland.
Notably, as part of fostering and strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries, ICCR sends special cultural performers to key global events.
In New Zealand, till now, ICCR has been sponsoring and sending cultural performers for the Auckland and Wellington Diwali festivals – one of the two mega celebrations of Indian culture in this part of the world.
The fact that this year a special cultural troupe had been sent to the joint Independence Day event held at Mahatma Gandhi centre, bringing together most of the community associations and a large number of the Kiwi-Indian community affirms that this joint-celebratory event is also rated very high within the government of India’s international cultural calendar.
Contributions of Kiwi-Indian community and NZ-India relations affirmed
Every dignitary speaking from the stage or with the Indian Weekender acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora in every realm of public life in NZ ranging from society, economy, business, and culture.
Minister of Immigration Michael Wood and National Party Leader Chris Luxon reiterated the support of the Kiwi-Indian community to their respective Labour and National Parties.
Outgoing Mayor of Auckland and the former Labour MP of Mt Roskill – one of the most ethnically diverse suburbs of Auckland – Phil Goff, who remains immensely popular within the Kiwi-Indian community, used the opportunity to revisit his deep connection with the Mahatma Gandhi Centre and the broader Indian community.
Community Leaders resolutely express ‘unity in diversity’
Almost every prominent community leader, such as Jeet Suchdev of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, Dhansukh Lal of Auckland Indian Association, Narendra Bhana of New Zealand Indian Central Association and Sunil Kaushal of Waitakere Indian Association – expressed satisfaction with the coming together of the majority of associations for one joint celebration.
“With standing room only, the event was a testament to the unity of the Indian Diaspora in NZ. We need to continue to work together as Kiwi Indians to ensure we stand united, with our regional diversity being celebrated not just at Independence or Republic days but also in supporting each other’s regional events. United we stand and divided we fall,” Sunil Kaushal said.
Hon Consul of India expresses satisfaction with the success of the event
Hon Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon, was clearly elated with the success of the event and extended thanks to all dignitaries, community leaders and the members of the public for coming out in big numbers to be part of the biggest celebrations of India’s Independence Day in Auckland.
“Overall, it was a very well attended event which added to the respect and mana of our Indian Community here in NZ and was a true reflection of the growth and strength of Brand India on the global stage.”
“This is an example of a united diaspora which has rightly risen above divisiveness to reinforce the true nature of India’s unity and diversity, emphatically rejecting any attempts at divisiveness,” Mr Dhillon concluded.