The Queenstown chapter of Bhartiya Samaj celebrated Indian Independence Day on Sunday, 13 August, at Lake Hayes Pavilion with the hoisting of the Indian flag and some inspiring performances by community members including a kids fancy dress show.
National MP for Southland Joseph Mooney attended the event, who in his brief speech, remembered the peaceful resistance that Mahatma Gandhi inspired during India’s struggle for freedom and said, “This principle of empowerment of people to make decisions for themselves and to have an involvement in political decisions that affect their lives is really important and something that New Zealand and India share.”
Bharatiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust also hosted a vibrant Haryali Teej celebration on Saturday, 12 August. The packed women-only event was a great success, with around 150 community members coming to enjoy the festivities.
Thanking everyone who attended, Trust president Mangal Behal said the interest from the Queenstown community for both the events was very encouraging, and its heartening to see the participation growing over the years.
