The key Indian diaspora organisations of Auckland are urging Kiwi-Indians to celebrate the spirit of “unity in diversity” – the key defining feature of India - and come together to participate in the India Independence Day event on Sunday August 21, at the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Centre in central Auckland.
Every year India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, and several celebratory events are organised by Indian diasporic communities all around the world, including in New Zealand.
However, this year is special, as it has been marked with yearlong “Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations globally to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
Acknowledging and accepting the key spirit of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava,” most of the Indian diaspora organisations have joined hands together and decided to be part of one mega celebration being organised under the aegis of a broad umbrella organisation – Auckland Indian Diaspora Organisation.
“Unity in diversity is the key defining feature of India, and the people of India have built a nation together in the last 75 years on this basic foundational principle where we all celebrate our respective individual identities – based on languages, religion, regions, faiths or belief system and culture – but we always come together and celebrate our unity along with all our diversities at festivals of national significance,” Jeet Suchdev, President of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust said.
“This is a moment we all should strive to come together on one common platform to reinforce our mutually shared common Indian identity,” Sachdev added.
Similar sentiments are being echoed by several other key community associations, including NZ Telugu Association, Telangana Federation of New Zealand, Auckland Indian Association, and New Zealand Indian Central Association.
Pan-India flavour of celebrations
Anitha Mogilicharla and Suneel Kuncha, the new President and the Secretary of the NZ Telugu Association (NZTA), said, “India’s Independence Day marks the celebration of the fearless and gallant acts of many Indians involved in the freedom movement to end the 200 years of British rule. Despite having significant regional, linguistic, cultural, and religious variations across the country, India stands tall as one united nation embracing this diverse nature. It comes as natural to us Indians to welcome diversity wherever we are.
“NZ Telugu Association is partnering with the wider Indian community to celebrate this great day as one big nation. We would like to reiterate once again that United we stand and divided we fall. Jai hind,” Mogilicharla and Kuncha said.
Kalyan Rao Kasuganti of Telangana federation of NZ said, “Our people are extremely happy and excited about the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day.
“This is a time to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors in the commonly fought struggle for independence, and we pay tribute to them for their valiant courage and sacrifices. India is a diverse country with different languages, religions and cultures. On this day, we unite to celebrate our nation together in pride and happiness.
“As a Telangana state representative in NZ, we are organising a dance programme and will celebrate with all of our communities at the Mahatma Gandhi centre event on Sunday, August 21,” Mr Kasuganti said.
Narendra Bhana, President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA), said, “I am delighted to be part of the India Independence Day celebrations to be held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre on Sunday, August 21 2022. This celebration holds a special significance for Kiwi-Indians living in Auckland and surrounding regions, as all Indian communities come together and celebrate India’s national day under one platform.
“The cultural programme from almost all states of India showcases real diversity and unity in the Indian community in New Zealand,” Bhana concluded.
Open invitation for every Kiwi-Indian
Echoing the sentiments of the need to demonstrate a mutually shared sense of unity amongst the diverse Kiwi-Indian community, Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillon said, “I would humbly request everyone to unite together, thereby ensuring maximum presence and collaboration for this momentous occasion.
“The government of India is sending a special cultural troupe of Bhangra performers to showcase different facets of the rich Indian culture on the momentous occasion of 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day,” he added.
“The Auckland Indian diaspora organisation have taken special care in including cultural performances from every state and region of India to showcase not only the richness of the Indian culture but also the mutually shared sense of togetherness as a part of the great Indian nation.”
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