Free Event on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Auckland
Venkat Raman
Auckland, July 8, 2022
The Federation of South Indian Associations New Zealand (FSIANZ) is organising a cultural and social evening next month to mark the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence.
The event will be held from 6 pm at Mahatma Gandhi Auditorium located at 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland City.
Federation President Dr Reginald Samuel said that the forthcoming event will be the first for the Organisation after it was officially launched by Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan, India’s Outgoing High Commissioner to New Zealand Muktesh Pardeshi, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Police Commissioner Andrew Coster at the Second Annual Indian Newslink Festivals of South India on May 23, 2022.
Modi’s words of inspiration
“We are honoured to conduct the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ which Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as ‘Elixir of independence; elixir of inspirations of the warriors of the freedom struggle; elixir of new ideas and pledges; and the elixir of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (Self-Reliance).’” Dr Reginald said.
He also said that the message of Mr Modi on this historic event is inspiring and reassuring.
“Like the history of the freedom movement, the journey of 75 years after independence is a reflection of the hard work, innovation and enterprise of ordinary Indians. Whether in the country (India) or abroad, we Indians have proved ourselves with our hard work. We are proud of our Constitution. We are proud of our democratic traditions. The mother of democracy, India, is still moving forward to strengthen democracy. India, rich in knowledge and science, is leaving its mark from Mars to the Moon,” Mr Modi said.
The Freedom Movement
The family of the Editor of this newspaper were involved in India’s freedom movement and like thousands of fellow Indians, they have contributed immensely to India’s independence.
Although the modern world remembers leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other contemporaries, the battle for independence began at least 200 years earlier.
They included warrior kings and queens ruling their kingdoms or provinces across the country. They are being remembered as India marks the 75th Independence Anniversary.
About Alluri Sitarama Raju
Among them is Andhra’s legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju.
Respected as a symbol of India’s culture, tribal identity, valour, ideals and values, he was a source of strength and admiration. Alluri Sitarama Raju dedicated his life to the protection and promotion of the rights of the tribal society, their happiness and sorrows and in the larger context, the freedom of the country.
On July 4, 2022, Mr Modi unveiled a statue of the leader in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh in the presence of State Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
“I am privileged to salute the great land of Andhra Pradesh with such a rich legacy, denoting the confluence of major events like Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju, and 100 years of Rampa Rebellion. I bow to the memory of the great ‘Manyam Veerudu’ Alluri Sitarama Raju and pay tribute on behalf of the entire country,” he said.
Mr Modi declared that both events- the birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju and the 100th anniversary of Rampa Kranti will be celebrated throughout the year.
“India’s struggle for freedom is not just a history of a few years, a few areas, or of a few people. History of our freedom movement is a symbol of the strength of our diversity, culture and our unity as a nation,” he said.
About the Federation
Dr Reginald said that the Federation offers cross-cultural exposure that can help shape knowledgeable, open-minded and respectful individuals, while also offering ways in which children and families from the diaspora can connect with and celebrate their heritage.
“The Mission of the Federation is to help, support, train and build stronger, self-reliant and resilient South Indian communities. We hope that the Federation will forge unity and combine its solidarity, protecting and promoting not only their culture and heritage but also their people. For, nothing binds people other than a common sense of purpose, pursuing the common good. Such unity was demonstrated during the recent pandemic, which taught us the importance of staying together and caring for each other,” he said.
Dr Samuel said that the Federation is a cultural, non-political, non-religious and non-sectarian organisation, comprising registered organisations of the five States of South India: Mana Andhra Telugu Association New Zealand (MATA New Zealand), representing Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Association of New Zealand (TANZ) representing Telangana, Auckland Tamil Association (AIA) representing Tamil Nadu, New Zealand Kannada Koota (NZKK) representing Karnataka and Auckland Malayali Samajam (AMS), representing Kerala.
“The Federation is managed by office-bearers comprising the Presidents of the five associations and the General Body is further strengthened by nominated members of these associations. They are Vai Ravindran (ATA), Narendra Reddy Patlola (TANZ), Soby Bernard Thomas (AMS) and Vishnu Lokapal (NZKK). Indian Newslink, the prime mover of this Federation, is represented by its Editor and other nominated members,” Dr Reginald said.
He said that the forthcoming programme will involve a plethora of activities, including traditional music and dance that honour the history of India’s people, culture and achievements.
“We are excited to bring this to all the children and their families in Auckland. We are committed to celebrating the freedom, culture and achievements of India over the past 75 years with a sense of pride and in the spirit of oneness,” he said.
