Indian High Commission and Indian Consulate officesin Australia held celebrations on 15 August 2017 to mark India's 71st Independence Day.Members of the Indian Crescent society of Australia Inc (ICSOA) have attended these events in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
High Commission and consulate officials, Indian community leaders and Indian Australians from various fields joined the events with much enthusiasm and vigour.These celebrations have seen significant increase in attendees over past few years.
In Canberra, the High Commissioner Dr a M Gondane, in Sydney, Mr B. Vanlalvawna, CGI Sydney, in Melbourne, Ms Manika Jain CGI Melbourne hoisted the Indian flag and then read the address of Indian President Mr Ram Nath Kovind to the nation on the occasion.
Calling for creating a New India by 2022, the President said the country must be compassionate and egalitarian society that does not discriminate on gender or religious background. He spoke of various initiatives, the current government has taken during previous few years such as the Swach Bharat campaign, building toilets in rural India, Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao campaign, implementation of GST etc.
The High Commissioner and Consul Generals welcomed the guests and thanked them for gathering in good numbers on a working day in their respective cities.
A few local artists entertained the gathering by singing the patriotic songs and poems. The guests later enjoyed the snacks as they met and greeted each other and expressed their pleasure to be part of their motherland's Independence Day.
In Canberra, ICSOA Member, Mr Abbas Raza Alvi joined the event along with Mrs Farida Alvi. In Sydney, ICSOA members Mr Abbas Chelat, Mr Fazal Fariwala, Mr Zahid Jamil and Mr Iqtedar Abdi attended the event. In Melbourne,Professor Akhtar Kalam deputed his student Ms Nithya Saiprasad to represent him. Professor Sydney Masood has also offered special assistance to ICSOA for Melbourne.
In Canberra, High commissioner of Pakistan Hon Ms Nalea Chohan attended the special lunch hosted by the High commissioner of India.ICSOA welcomes such reciprocal invitations by the High Commissioners of two neighbouring nations as it sends the message of peace to the region.
These gatherings also provide an excellent opportunity of networking among Indian community members residing in Australia.
