Dr Primla Khar
Auckland, August 23, 2021
National Party Botany MP and ACT Party Leader David Seymour with members and guests of Indian Association Manukau New Zealand on India’s Independence Day celebrations held on August 15, 2021 (Photo Supplied)
August 15 is a day to celebrate as the day when India led to set the world free.
It is very important that with self-esteem, we embrace diversity and espouse the cause of those who are still in chains.
That was the focus of the celebration at the Indian Association Manukau New Zealand (IAMNZ) at its Diversity Centre located at 25 Tui Road, Papatoetoe, South Auckland.
Homage to heroes
August 15, 2021 was an occasion at which the young members of the community presented several items in homage to the independence heroes. The community elders and adults joined them to honour the services rendered by Indians in New Zealand.
They represent the strong determined free nation on the roll.
The highlight was the ‘Indian National Anthem’ sung by a strong contingent of People from Kashmir India.
Indian Association Manukau New Zealand President Dr Primla Khar
saluting the National Flag of India with the National Anthem.
Also in the picture are Sena Medal for Gallantry recipient Dr Somnath Basu (right)
and Colonel G P Yadav (right)
Nation with a rich past
Almost 1000 years ago, India was the only civilised nation accounting for a major share of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Despite facing serious challenges, India strived to improve the quality of the human race, focusing on discovery and unravelling the mysteries of Nature.
India was the prime mover and example of emancipation, respect for others with non-violence as the Mantra, and many other qualities that became the unwritten law of life.
Even vegetarianism can be attributed to this approach of coexistence with flora and fauna.
It is important to note the practice of Dharma (later day religion) was multidimensional and branched into various philosophies that eulogised and worshipped Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu (Ram, Krishna), Goddess Durga, Goddess Shakthi and more.
Ancient scriptures including Upanishads, Puranas and the Great Epics (Ramayan and Mahabharat (the latter giving forth the Bhagavad Geeta) became the leading lights and dispensers of knowledge.
Even the concept of governance, local government, self-governance under various Kingdoms with the provincial responsibility and the interwoven federal system were well-founded, creating platforms to hear the voice of the people.
Kathak Dancer and Teacher Charu Chutani and friends display the ‘Tricolours’ of India
Invasion and plundering
A stop was put to this human march when invaders arrived from Central Asia, followed by European exploiters. The proud nation was found wanting on brutal side of the human existence and the outcome nearly 1000 years of human empowerment was lost to barbarianism, communalism, and colonialism.
The myth that India was not united needs to be corrected. India was in fact ahead of the times for which it paid a heavy price. It is no different to the civilised New Zealand society having a little say in world affairs as compared to undemocratic setups – acting as bullies.
Nation Reborn
After realising the missing necessary evil of ‘fightback,’ India refocused, undertook course correction, fought back with many sacrifices. All this culminated with exit of the oppressors in 1947 and the exhausted nation was reborn. This further paved the way for other nations to get free from shackles and start a journey of their own.
Dr Primla Khar is President of Indian Association Manukau New Zealand. The above is an edited version of her original text.
