Cultural organisations, dance and music schools and groups keen on promoting Indian culture could participate at the India Independence Day festival scheduled to be held in Auckland on August 15, 2010.
Auckland based Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, which has been the prime organiser of highly successful events for the past 15 years, is putting together the annual programme for the benefit of New Zealanders in general and the Indian community in particular.
Political, business, community and other leaders will be present at the ASB Theatre located in the Aotea Centre in the Central Business District.
The programme will commence with a flag-hoisting ceremony at 1030 am.
Jeet Suchdev, Founder-Chairman of the Trust has structured the Independence Day festivities to not only demonstrate the political solidarity of the Indian polity but also explore and expose local talent in fine arts.
The Trust holds the record for programmes with the widest public patronage, including the one-off Diamond Jubilee of India’s Republic Day, which (held on January 24, 2010 at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre) drew more than 3000 people, compared to another function attended by less than 250 people (held two hours earlier at the ASB Theatre).
“Independence Day brings to fore the selfless sacrifice of our great leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and thousands of people, who fought a bloodless battle to secure freedom. Our Independence Day programme is designed to pay homage to those leaders and the people of a great nation and remember our roots,” he said.
India obtained independence after 335 years of British rule on August 15, 1947 and has since then progressed to become the world’s largest democracy and emerging economic power with high growth rates.
Trust Secretary Roopa Suchdev said the occasion also provided an opportunity for established and budding artistes to promote their art.
“The Trust welcomes group performers to participate in the forthcoming Festival with items not exceeding seven minutes. Intended participants should contact us on or before July 31, 2010.
“The Trust will reserve the right to accept entries based on a set of criteria,” she said.
Ms Suchdev said, as in the past years, Indian cuisine will also form a part of the Independence Day celebrations.
“New Zealanders are now aware that India is a country of diverse culture, cuisine, customs and costumes. With a heritage that dates back more than 5000 years, India is a country known for its unity in diversity,” she said.
Photo Caption: A young girl, dressed up as ‘Bharat Matha’ (Mother India) at the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust India Independence Day Festival last year.
What: India’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations
By Whom: Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and Indian associations
For Whom: All New Zealanders
Where: ASB Theatre, Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland City
When: August 15, 2010 from 1030 am
Contact: Jeet Suchdev on (09) 4430579 or 021-2221020.
Roopa Suchdev on (09) 4435622 or 021-655609
Chandrasekaran Pichai on (09) 8263070 or 021-2691619
Website: www.bhartiyasamaj.org.nz
