Indian diaspora leaders gathered at the Auckland Indian Association’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre on the evening of 30 July to discuss and plan the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, a momentous occasion in the Indian calendar, which falls on 15th August. With over 60 leaders in attendance, the meeting aimed to outline the festivities that would take place on Sunday, 13th August, at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre’s main hall.
This year’s Independence Day programme has been entrusted to two major diaspora organisations: The Auckland Tamil Association and the Auckland Marathi Association. Vai Ravindran, President of the Auckland Tamil Association, and Neha Nalavade, President of the Auckland Marathi Association, enthusiastically presented the day’s events and activities.
The proposed programme promises to be a vibrant and engaging celebration, featuring a diverse array of performances including dances and patriotic songs with participants from various diaspora organisations. Attendees can expect to be enthralled by some 15 captivating performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage and national pride of India.
What makes this year’s celebration unique is that it is the first time two diaspora organisations have been granted the opportunity to devise the programme jointly. This collaborative effort symbolises unity and represents a remarkable step forward in fostering cooperation and inclusivity within the Indian diaspora community in Auckland.
Moreover, an exciting initiative has been put in place to ensure diversity and inclusivity in the planning process for future national day celebrations. Organisations will be invited on a rotational basis to design the programme for forthcoming years. This approach recognises the richness of the Indian diaspora community in Auckland and allows different organisations to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the festivities.
As the Indian diaspora in Auckland prepares to celebrate the country’s 76th Independence Day, there is a palpable sense of excitement and pride among the community members. The event promises to be a testament to the cultural richness and shared heritage that the Indian diaspora brings to New Zealand. For the Indian diaspora in Auckland, this celebration holds deep sentimental value, connecting them to their roots and evoking a sense of collective identity.
The planning meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre showcased the determination and commitment of Indian diaspora leaders to uphold their cultural traditions and celebrate their nation’s independence in a foreign land. The collaborative approach to designing the programme epitomises the spirit of togetherness and inclusiveness, a testament to the thriving Indian community in Auckland.
This year, community organisations have come together to celebrate India’s national day, ignoring attempts earlier by certain forces to try to celebrate the day under different banners separately. This created unnecessary confusion not only in the minds of the community but also for invited VIPs who had to attend different functions celebrating India’s national day. It also needlessly created the impression of a divided community. The Diaspora leadership must be commended for forging this unity.
Addressing the gathering, Honorary Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon congratulated the two organisations that have taken the lead this year and also shared that joining the programme will be a musical and dance troupe from the north western state of Rajasthan who will be visiting New Zealand for the Independence Day celebrations and will be performing around the country.
The Hon Consul also said that India’s High Commissioner in NZ, HE Neeta Bhushan will attend the celebrations in Auckland among many dignitaries and politicians from most parties.
Auckland Indian Association President Dhansukh Lal welcomed the guests and delivered a brief speech.
As the final preparations are made for the Independence Day celebrations, excitement and anticipation fill the air. The forthcoming event promises to be an awe-inspiring showcase of Indian culture, talent, and national pride, strengthening the bonds of the Indian diaspora community and leaving a lasting impact on all attendees.
The guests were treated to a sumptuous vegetarian dinner hosted by the Auckland Indian Association's catering committee.