PM Modi, PM Luxon Highlight Auckland’s Largest I-Day Gathering

Auckland’s Indian community turned out in record numbers on Sunday, 17 August, to mark India’s 79th Independence Day with a vibrant showcase of patriotism, culture, and unity.

The scale of the event extended beyond Mahatma Gandhi Centre, reaching global audiences. Prime Minister Luxon shared the celebrations on his social media, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reshared the post.

Community stalwart Bhav Dhillon described the event as a milestone in unity. “This celebration, brought together by the Indian Diaspora Group (uniting 60+ community, cultural, regional & language groups), showed what true unity in diversity looks like. When communities join hands, success follows. A wonderful reminder that together, we shine brighter,” he said.

The celebration at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre drew more than 1,500 seated guests, with many more standing to be part of the occasion. Volunteers at the centre cooked lunch for over 1,000 attendees, reflecting the scale and spirit of the gathering.

Dhillon later tweeted, “When NZ PM @chrisluxonmp attends and shares the Indian Independence Day celebrations, and India’s PM @narendramodi notices and reshares it expressing his pleasure, is a clear sign the Auckland Indian diaspora organisers did a fantastic job🇮🇳🇳🇿 @IndiainNZ.”

Photo by Ishmeet Kaur/IWK

Among those present were Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Minister for Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell, National Party President Sylvia Wood, India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan, and Consul General Dr Madan Mohan Sethi.

Several MPs, including Melissa Lee, Nancy Liu, Vanushi Walters, Helen White, and Carlos Cheung, were in attendance.

The morning began with Luxon visiting the Radha Krishna Mandir, where Janmashtami festivities had concluded just hours earlier at midnight. The Prime Minister paid his respects before joining the community at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, where he was warmly received.

Photo by Ishmeet Kaur/IWK

His popularity was evident, with almost everyone eager to grab a selfie with him. The overwhelming demand kept organisers and security on their toes as they tried to manage the excited crowd.

Photo by Ishmeet Kaur/IWK

The day began with the hoisting of the Indian tricolour, followed by speeches and cultural performances highlighting the struggles and triumphs of India’s independence movement, as well as the contributions of New Zealand’s Indian community.

Other senior leaders of the Auckland Indian Diaspora group — Narendra Bhana, Jeet Suchdev, and Dansukh Lal — expressed satisfaction with the success of the event, echoing the sentiment that the day aptly showcased India’s unity in diversity.

For many, Auckland’s Independence Day celebration has become more than just a commemoration. It is a yearly reminder of the bonds that connect generations — a moment to honour heritage, celebrate shared values, and pass the legacy of freedom to the future.

This year’s gathering, widely regarded as the largest Independence Day celebration ever hosted by the Auckland Indian community, cemented its place as one of the most significant events on the diaspora calendar.