India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan with officials and guests at the 76th Republic Day Celebrations held at the High Commission in Wellington on January 26, 2025 (Photo by Alex Thomas)
Venkat Raman
Auckland, January 26, 2025
Indian nationals, joined by people of Indian origin are marking the 76th Republic Day of their motherland, signifying the blossoming of a Nation complete with its own Constitution, style of governance, democratic traditions and cultural resplendency.
The magnificence of the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi was witnessed by at least a billion people worldwide; it was preceded by events in Wellington and Auckland, organised respectively by the Indian High Commission and the recently opened Consulate General of India.
High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan unfurled the Indian National Flag at the High Commission in Wellington in the presence of more than 400 officials and guests, setting a new record for attendance. Paying tributes to the Indian Diaspora, she read the Republic Day Message of Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
Editor’s Note: Flag unfurling and Flag hoisting have different connotations in the Indian context. Republic Day denotes India’s establishment as a ‘full-sovereign state,’ with its own Constitution, Judiciary and democratic system. The National Flag is unfurled on Republic Day (January 26) by the President of India. It starts in a folded position at the top of a pole and is unveiled without being raised. This represents the commitment to the principles laid down in the Constitution. On Independence Day (August 15), the Indian National Flag is hoisted or raised from the bottom of the pole by the Prime Minister at a ceremony in Red Fort. This symbolises the rise of a new Nation.
Salutations to a Nation
Ms Bhushan recalled the visit of Ms Murmu to New Zealand last (August 7 to 9, 2024) and the increasing number of ministers and officials to and from New Delhi.
A cultural programme followed with patriotic songs and dance items presented by members of the Indian community in the Wellington region.
In Auckland, Consul General Dr Madan Mohan Sethi said that the Consulate is currently working from its temporary office at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre (where the Republic Day Celebrations were held with more than 800 guests in attendance) and that it would move to a more spacious and purpose-oriented location on Queen Street in Auckland Central Business District.
“Following the completion of official procedures, we hope to function from the new Consulate office in February. We will then be able to provide all consular, trade and commerce and other services. We will also be well-equipped to offer information and services to promote opportunities for investment and tourism in India,” he said.
Among those present at the event were Consul Sanjeev Kumar, other officials of the Consulate, Members of Parliament Dr Carlon Cheung, Nancy Lu (National), Jenny Salesa, Camilla Belich, Helen White, Priyanca Radhakrishnan (Labour) and Dr Parmjit Parmar (ACT).
The programme in both cities included speeches and cultural items.
Two major initiatives of the Indian government – Incredible India (Hospitality, Tourism, Conference and other facilities to welcome visitors) and Invest India (incentives, facilities and benefits extended to foreign investors throughout the country) – will be the highlights of a presentation at the event.
These incentives are relevant to New Zealand investors given the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India.
Droupadi Murmu: All-Round Progress
In her address, Ms Murmu compared the state of the Nation in 1950 (when India became a Republic) and now, saying that the past 75 years have shown all-round progress.
“At the time of Independence and even later, large parts of the country faced extreme poverty and hunger. But one thing we were not deprived of was our belief in ourselves. We set down to create the right conditions in which everyone would have the opportunity to flourish. Our farmers toiled hard and made our country self-sufficient in food production. Our labourers worked relentlessly to transform our infrastructure and manufacturing sector. Thanks to their sterling efforts, India’s economy today influences global economic trends. Today, India is taking leadership positions in international forums. This transformation would not have been possible without the blueprint laid down by our Constitution,” she said.
Ms Murmu said that India’s economic growth has been persistently high in recent years, creating job opportunities for its youth, augmenting the income of farmers and labourers, and lifting more people out of poverty.
Uplifting Marginalised Communities
“The bold and far-sighted economic reforms will sustain this trend in the years to come. Inclusion is the cornerstone of our growth saga, distributing the fruits of developments as widely as possible.
As the government continues to assign top priority to financial inclusion, initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, MUDRA, Stand-Up India and Atal Pension Yojana have been expanded to provide more people access to a variety of financial support schemes,” she said.
Ms Murmu said that her government has redefined the notion of welfare, making basic necessities such as housing and access to drinking water a matter of entitlement.
“Every effort is being made to extend a helping hand to the marginalised communities, particularly of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. There have been pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, national fellowships, overseas scholarships, hostels and coaching facilities for the youth from the SC communities. The way the government has used technology in the field of finance has been exemplary,” she said.
Modi’s Advice to Youth
On January 25, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with youngsters from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Tribal Guests and Artists who were in New Delhi to participate in the Republic Day Parade.
The meeting, held at his official residence (at Lok Kalyan Marg) was the first of its kind.
The Prime Minister’s website said that Mr Modi emphasised the importance of national unity and diversity, urging all participants to interact with people from different states to strengthen the spirit of ‘One India, Great India’ (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat).
“He highlighted how such interactions foster understanding and unity, which are vital for the nation’s progress. Mr Modi said that fulfilling duties as responsible citizens is the key to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He encouraged the youth to register on the My Bharat Portal and actively engage in activities that contribute to nation-building.”
