While almost all Indian associations and groupings will organise flag-hoisting ceremonies at their own or hired premises and take a solemn vow to protect the integrity of their motherland, at least two major festivals have been planned in Auckland and other places.
August 15, the day India became free in 1947 is a holiday in India but a working day in most parts of the world and hence festivities will be shifted toward the proximate weekend, which would be on August 17 and 18, 2013. With the Holy Month of Ramadan completed, Muslims from India will also be able to participate in the festivities due to be held in major cities.
Indian High Commission
Independence Day festivities will commence at India House, the official residence of the Indian High Commissioner in Lower Hutt, on the morning of August 15 with a flag-hoisting ceremony. This is the most important and solemn event, witnessed by many people of Indian origin living in the Wellington region. Patriotic songs and prayers are usually recited at the India House lawns, with the High Commissioner (or the Charge de Affaires) reading out the message of the Indian President (Pranab Mukherjee).
Associations & Clubs
We have received reports from a number of organisations including the Auckland Indian Association, the Wellington Indian Association, Bharatiya Samaj Charitable Trust, Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust and others of their planned celebrations commencing from the weekend following August 15.
The Auckland Indian Association and the Wellington Indian Association will have the assembly of their members and guests on August 15.
Radio Tarana
The team at Radio Tarana is organising ‘The Festival of India’ at the Vodafone Events Centre (formerly Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre) on Saturday, August 17 from 12 pm to 6 pm.
Managing Director Robert Khan said that the objective of the Festival is to bring together people and promote solidarity and sobriety among the members of the Indian community in New Zealand.
He said as a Community organisation, Radio Tarana will provide free stalls or stands for Indian associations, charities and not-for-profit entities at the venue.
Further details can be obtained on telephone (09) 3032286 or Website: www.tarana.co.nz
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust
The annual India Independence Day spectacle organised by the Auckland based Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust will be held on Sunday, August 18 from 1030 am at the
Civic Auditorium located at the corner of Queen & Wellesley Streets.
The annual event usually includes a parade, flag-hoisting ceremony, speeches by leaders of political parties, and an entertainment programme, with the participation of music and dance schools.
Stalls dealing in food and other items run by private groups and individuals are a speciality of this Independence Day festivities.
Trust Chairman Jeet Suchdev said that one of the most interesting and special aspects of the Independence Day celebrations organised by Bhartiya Samaj was the support and participation of several Indian community groups and organisations.
Further details can be obtained from Community Relations Manager Vikas Yadav on (09) 5550225 or 021-02527350.
GOPIO Waikato
Poetry will be the highlight of the Independence Day event being organised by the Waikato Chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in Hamilton at Kathleen Glen Room in Hamilton City Library on August 15.
The programme will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm and may include a short movie.
Further details can be obtained from President Pradeep Kapoor on
Among those involved are President Pradeep Kapoor, Somnath Gupta, Suman Kapoor (Executive Committee Members) and Santosh Sharma, a poet.
Further details can be obtained from Mr Kapoor on (07) 9744267.
