MELBOURNE, 22 August 2022: India’s 76th Independence Day was celebrated across Melbourne with enthusiasm and gaiety by different organizations and the Indian Consulate here. Thousands of people participated in the events which also saw the participation of prominent Australian and Indian leaders.
Indian cricketer Kapil Dev and movie actor Abhishek Bachchan hoisted the Indian flag at the city’s Federation Square on 13th August, which also kicked off the 13th Indian Film Festival of India (IFFM-2022). The flag hoisting was followed by the Bollywood Dance Competition and music performances from talent across Melbourne.
On 15 August, the tricolor was hoisted by India’s new Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar at the Indian Consulate, St. Kilda Road. This was followed by his speech and cultural events. Later, on 16 August, the Indian Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar & his wife Mrs. Mona Sushil hosted a reception at the Thornbury Theatre to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence.
The Australia India Institute (AII), hosted the ‘Victorian Community Gala Dinner’, to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence on 18th August, at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Lisa Singh, the CEO, of AII, addressed the guests among others. This was followed by lively cultural items. About 300 people attended the function.
The peak Indian organization, the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV), celebrated Independence Day on 20th August at the Australian Indian Community Centre, Rowville. The event was addressed by Sury Prakash Soni, FIAV President, Dr. Sushil Kumar, Indian Consul, Matt Mregon MP, David Southwick MP, Ravneet Pawa, AIBC, Cr. Nicole Seymour, Dy. Mayor Knox Council and Mr. Vasan Srinivasan.
Apart from the lively cultural program, awards were given to the media – Raj Dudeja (Indian Voice), Dinesh Malhotra (Bharat Times), Neeraj Nanda (South Asia Times), Manpreet (SBS), Natasha Chaku (SBS), and Jitarth Jai Bhardwaj (Australia Today).
Many other functions were held across Melbourne including by the Selandraaise Indian Community Organisation, Clyde North attended by hundreds from the community.
Others attending the I-Day event were Nirmal Singh Namdhari, Manoj Kumar, ALP, and Sana Dua (Miss India 2017).
The Indian flag was hoisted followed by speeches and a cultural program.
The underlying current of all the functions was to celebrate India’s 76th Independence Day and wish it progress and prosperity.
The recent moves towards better relations between Australia and India were also appreciated.
The role of the Indian Diaspora’s positive role in mainstream Australia was emphasized.
(Report to be updated)
