Indian Community Unites Across New Zealand for Independence Day

The Indian community in New Zealand celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2023, with events held nationwide. Over 400 attendees gathered at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, where they enjoyed cultural performances and patriotic songs. This significant occasion marks India’s liberation from British rule in 1947, a moment commemorated annually by Indians and those of Indian origin worldwide.

In Wellington, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, hoisted the Indian national flag and read excerpts from the annual address of Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The event featured cultural presentations by students from the Wellington Hindi School and Khandallah School, showcasing the rich heritage of India through dance and music. Performances by the Shivam Dance Academy, Sri Chakra School of Fine Arts, and the Wellington Marathi Association added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Celebrations in Major Cities

Celebrations extended beyond Wellington, with flag hoisting ceremonies in major cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Palmerston North. In Auckland, the Consulate General of India, Madan Mohan Sethi, led the festivities, emphasizing the strengthening ties between New Zealand and India. He expressed optimism about a new era of friendship, stating, “This year we are organising a multi-city, multi-day Indian festival titled ‘The World and Us’, bringing together shared values of culture, cuisine, and commerce.”

During the Auckland celebrations, leaders from the Indian community, including Veer Khar, President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, called for greater political representation for the Indian community, which has become the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand. Members of Parliament of Indian origin, Priyanca Radhakrishnan and Parmjeet Parmar, shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of democracy and the dual connection to both India and New Zealand.

Culinary and Cultural Events

The festivities are not limited to flag hoisting and performances. An Indian food festival commenced in Auckland featuring renowned chefs from India, Satyanarayana Pandari and Anuj Mathur, who prepared signature dishes such as Hyderabadi biryani and Bengali fish curry. Two culinary educators, Prem Ram and Suprabhat Banerjee, underscored the potential for enhanced food diplomacy between the two nations, noting, “Indian cuisine is so diverse it can be combined with any other cuisine of the world.”

Additionally, a friendly MasterChef competition is scheduled for Saturday, featuring a mystery box challenge between Indian and New Zealand chefs. The celebrations will continue with cultural evenings led by prominent Indian singer Shibani Kashyap at various venues, including Auckland’s Dew Drop Events Centre and Hamilton’s Waikato Indian Association Hall. These events will also showcase a collaboration between Māori and Indian cultures through a curated fashion show.

As the Indian community in New Zealand marks this milestone, the opening of the Indian Consulate General in Auckland last September has facilitated larger and more impactful celebrations. The series of events running from August 15 to 18 represent a vibrant exchange of culture, community, and camaraderie, further solidifying the relationship between India and New Zealand.