Bhartiya Samaj hoists tricolour on India’s 69th Republic

26 January 1950 was a day of great honour and pride for every Indian as it’s the day India's constitution came into force thereon celebrating it as India’s Republic day.

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust hosted Indian Republic Day celebrations on Saturday, January 27 at Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall. The event was attended by more than 250 senior members of the community, dignitaries and volunteers.

Member of Parliament for Mt Roskill Michael Wood, Hon. Judge Ajit Swaran Singh, Honorary Consul of Fiji Harish Lodhia, Honorary Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon, Bhartiya Samaj Patrons Dr Bruce Hucker QSO, Hon. Dr. Ashraf Choudhury QSO, Auckland Council Puketapapa local board members Ella Kumar and Ms Anne- Marie Coury, Managing Director Bank of Baroda Mr Anupam Srivastava, Team leader Research Centre of Auckland Council Ms Smita Biswas, Census Engagement Advisor Sindy Xian and executive committee members of Bhartiya Samaj were the dignitaries who supported the event with their presence at the event.

“We were truly honoured by the presence of many dignitaries,” Chairperson of Bhartia Samaj Jeet Suchdev said.

The celebrations started with Mr Suchdev addressing the gathering and acknowledging the presence of the community members and seniors for celebrating one of the most important days of the Indian community.

The dignitaries applauded Bhartiya Samaj for their relentless efforts and commendable work to build a strong and connected Indian community.

The formal address of the visitors was followed by the unfurling of the Indian tricolour flag Honorary Consul of Fiji Mr Harish Lodhia. The Indian national anthem was sung in unison by everyone present there which permeated the atmosphere with the patriotic feeling.

The cultural programme followed up with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour that added a festive spirit to the occasion.

The event concluded with a lunch prepared by the charitable trust, and this event was yet another milestone achieved by Bhartiya Samaj in their efforts to socially engage the community.