Indian Republic Day celebrated with fervour and gaiety
The Kiwi Indian community came together as never before to jointly celebrate India’s 61st Republic Day at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland on January 29.
India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Admiral (Retd) Sureesh Mehta hoisted the tricolour to begin the proceedings of the day, followed by the singing of the national anthem.
Auckland city Mayor, Len Brown was the chief guest and was accompanied by Mayoress Shan Inglis. Also present were Members of Parliament Rodney Hide (Act), Keith Locke (Green Party), Hekia Parata (Minister for Ethnic Affairs), Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Jackie Blue and Paul Hutchison (National Party), David Cunliffe, Ashraf Chaudhary and Rajen Prasad (Labour Party).
High Commissioner Mehta expressed satisfaction that the Indian community had come together to celebrate the day. He also briefly outlined India’s political history since independence and spoke of the great potential that lies ahead of India’s young and educated population ready to take on the world on the back of near double digit growth of its economy.
Mayor Brown acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community to New Zealand’s economy and paid tributes to the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, saying he was always inspired by his ideals of non violence and considered him one of the greatest leader of people ever.
Minister Hekia Parata, newly appointed to the portfolio of ethnic affairs, said spoke of the importance of ethnic diversity in New Zealand and greatly appreciated the traditional welcome accorded to her by young children dressed in colourful garments since many of them were involved in the performances that took place after the speeches by dignitaries.
Ms Parata later had herself photographed with the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the foyer of the Gandhi Centre.
Labour MP David Cunliffe spoke about his long involvement with the Indian community and acknowledged the valuable contribution the community made to New Zealand.
Green MP Keith Locke, due to retire at the end of the present Parliament has always been a great friend of the Indian community and spoke fondly of his long association.
NZICA President Paul Singh Bains, Auckland Indian Association President Harshad Patel, who was recently awarded the QSM, and NZICA General Secretary Raj Thandi also spoke at the function. Ella Kumar, Raj Bedi and Prakash Biradar introduced the guests on stage.
The guests were entertained by a variety of cultural fare put together by young children from across the community. All who attended were also treated to a light repast. It was indeed a memorable Republic Day function or all those who were present.
The Kiwi Indian community came together as never before to jointly celebrate India’s 61st Republic Day at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland on January 29.
India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Admiral (Retd) Sureesh Mehta hoisted the tricolour to begin the proceedings of the day, followed...
The Kiwi Indian community came together as never before to jointly celebrate India’s 61st Republic Day at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland on January 29.
India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Admiral (Retd) Sureesh Mehta hoisted the tricolour to begin the proceedings of the day, followed by the singing of the national anthem.
Auckland city Mayor, Len Brown was the chief guest and was accompanied by Mayoress Shan Inglis. Also present were Members of Parliament Rodney Hide (Act), Keith Locke (Green Party), Hekia Parata (Minister for Ethnic Affairs), Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Jackie Blue and Paul Hutchison (National Party), David Cunliffe, Ashraf Chaudhary and Rajen Prasad (Labour Party).
High Commissioner Mehta expressed satisfaction that the Indian community had come together to celebrate the day. He also briefly outlined India’s political history since independence and spoke of the great potential that lies ahead of India’s young and educated population ready to take on the world on the back of near double digit growth of its economy.
Mayor Brown acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community to New Zealand’s economy and paid tributes to the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, saying he was always inspired by his ideals of non violence and considered him one of the greatest leader of people ever.
Minister Hekia Parata, newly appointed to the portfolio of ethnic affairs, said spoke of the importance of ethnic diversity in New Zealand and greatly appreciated the traditional welcome accorded to her by young children dressed in colourful garments since many of them were involved in the performances that took place after the speeches by dignitaries.
Ms Parata later had herself photographed with the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the foyer of the Gandhi Centre.
Labour MP David Cunliffe spoke about his long involvement with the Indian community and acknowledged the valuable contribution the community made to New Zealand.
Green MP Keith Locke, due to retire at the end of the present Parliament has always been a great friend of the Indian community and spoke fondly of his long association.
NZICA President Paul Singh Bains, Auckland Indian Association President Harshad Patel, who was recently awarded the QSM, and NZICA General Secretary Raj Thandi also spoke at the function. Ella Kumar, Raj Bedi and Prakash Biradar introduced the guests on stage.
The guests were entertained by a variety of cultural fare put together by young children from across the community. All who attended were also treated to a light repast. It was indeed a memorable Republic Day function or all those who were present.
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