A diverse gathering of Indian community members gathered in Christchurch on the brisk morning of 15 August to commemorate the 76th anniversary of Indian Independence Day. Despite the chill in the air, the enthusiasm among those present warmed the atmosphere.
Hosted by Indian grocery store Maia Foods, the ceremony kicked off at 7 AM with more than 50 people braving the cold, some dressed in the iconic Indian tricolour, reflecting their pride and connection to their homeland.
Maia Foods owner Hitesh Sharma has hosted the only annual Indian Independence Day celebration in Christchurch for the past seven years. His dedication to the community and his passion for the country are appreciated by everyone.
Sharma along with Sandeep Khanna and their team ensured the attendees were treated to piping hot chai and snacks.
At 7:30 AM, the Indian flag was hoisted against the crisp morning sky. The solemn ceremony was performed by the President of Christchurch Multicultural Council, Dr Surinder Tandon and Lt Col. Sada Abbasi(Retd).
The feeling of pride and love for India was evident as everyone sang the national anthem together. Their voices filled the air, and everyone felt a sense of togetherness and belonging. Some people got goosebumps, and others’ eyes filled with tears.
Speaking on occasion, Dr Tandon congratulated the attendees on the Indian Independence Day and said, “It is our duty to always remember the freedom fighters, many of whom gave their lives for our freedom. India got its freedom not only to govern the country by its people but also to freely celebrate and promote our diverse cultures, faiths, languages, and values. We are all ambassadors of India when it comes to sharing our Indian culture and heritage. We are fortunate to have the freedom to do so in New Zealand, our adopted homeland.”
In his brief speech, Lt Col Abbasi mentioned India's latest moon mission and said, “The upcoming moon landing is a testament to India’s technological development. As a nation, India has come a long way. The Indian community in New Zealand has also grown and is making a significant impact. We are thriving, and our contribution in all aspects of New Zealand life is commendable. It is important for us to celebrate this special day and remember the sacrifices of our ancestors who helped India gain its independence. We are a peace-loving and forward-thinking nation, and this is evident in our progress and the impact we make wherever we go.”
Many community members brought their parents, who were visiting from India. It was an excellent opportunity for them to participate in this very special celebration and to share their enthusiasm and delight as they saw their home country being celebrated thousands of miles away.
This was followed by a spirited performance by talented young dancers from Gurukool. They danced to some Bollywood anthems, capturing the patriotic essence of the day through their energetic performance. The performance was appreciated and cheered by the attendees.
