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Indian Defence Veterans celebrate Republic Day

Event Organiser Xavier Braganza (far left) and defence veterans at the India Republic Day Celebrations held in Mt Eden Auckland on January 26, 2025 (Photo by Vineeta Rao)

Vineeta Rao
Auckland, January 30, 2025

Although the weather was rather dismal in Auckland on 26 January this year, spirits were high at the Indian Lounge in Mt Eden, Auckland, where veterans of the Indian Defence Forces gathered to celebrate India’s 76th Republic Day.

India passed the resolution to draft the Constitution of India on August 29 1947, a mere 14 days after achieving Independence.

Dr Bhimrao R Ambedkar and his team took 11 months and 17 days to formulate the Constitution, replacing the Government of India Act. It would take more than two years, until January 26 1950, for the Constituent Assembly to become the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution.

Republic Day in India

Every year, Indians celebrate their Republic Day with ceremonial pomp and grandeur, across the country. Schools and government institutions usually have a parade, followed by the unfurling of the Indian National Flag.

The biggest celebration is held at Rajpath, in the country’s capital New Delhi, where a military parade showcases India’s military prowess. It is followed by a parade of cultural floats from each of India’s 28 states and 8 Union Territories and a cultural programme that celebrates India’s diversity, usually following a chosen theme.

This year, the theme was ‘Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India – Heritage and Development). The Nation also presents civil and military awards to citizens who have made extraordinary contributions to their nation and communities.

The President of India presides over these celebrations, usually accompanied by an international guest. This year, the Guest of Honour was Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. This marks a significant milestone in the relations between the two countries.

The Event in Auckland

In Auckland, an event, organised by Xavier Braganza, who served for 22 years with the Indian Army, brought together veterans from different branches and regiments. Children of Defence Staff were also well represented. The aim was to bring together Indian veterans and form a social and networking organisation that would organise events and provide assistance if needed.

Anthems of both India and New Zealand were played, honouring their native land and adopted country. The event also had live music.

Jefferey Nathan took us on a walk down memory lane with Elvis Presley, John Denver and other golden oldies while Ravi Shah and his wife Vibha made the afternoon mellow with some beautiful Bollywood tunes.

The afternoon reflected the new face of patriotism in the age of globalisation where 35.4 million Indians and People of Indian Origins (PIOs) live outside India, according to a report by the Ministry of External Affairs dated 26 November 2024. The Indian diaspora is the world’s largest overseas diaspora, maintaining strong ties with the country through cultural events, philanthropy and interest in Indian politics.

Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.

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