By Jessica Anstice
As India marked it 73rd Independence Day on Saturday 15 August, the Indian community in Cardinia and Casey held a string of virtual events to celebrate.
Due to the regulations put in place to fight the spread of Covid-19, the traditional celebrations were held online this year by the Indian Australian Community Cooperative (IACC).
Independence Day in India is a national holiday to commemorate and remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters who fought hard for the country’s independence.
On 15 August in 1947 India won freedom from British rule after a long struggle.
The day is a reminder of the struggle and sacrifices made by the freedom fighters to gain independence from British rule.
Everyone with Indian heritage celebrates the special day with honour – irrespective of where they are in the world.
IACC observed the day with much enthusiasm from the local Cardinia and Casey residents of Indian heritage.
An art competition was organised for all of the children who attend the IACC kids club and many colourful patriotic drawings were submitted.
There were also various ‘India’ themed Zoom craft workshops organised for the children to create the Indian flag and learn about the significance of the day.
“The motive was to encourage kids to understand the Indian heritage and partake in the celebrations,” IACC president Aanchal Meshram said.
“Families and kids were also encouraged to share videos of them singing patriotic songs and poems to mark this significant day.”
IACC celebrated the day with a livestream to Facebook and a video chat over Zoom with a compilation of all the poem and song submissions from IACC kids club, Kanu Mittal from Melbourne and Dilbag Singh from Gujarat.
Ms Meshram talked about the day’s significance and the session was concluded with a mesmerising live singing session from Chondryma Chakrobortti, who is a professional singer practicing traditional Indian singing in Australia.
“The celebration was enjoyed and appreciated by all who attended,” Ms Meshram added.
“It was yet another great initiative to bring people together on an online platform fully respecting state’s Stage 4 lock down restrictions.”
In India, Prime Minister Sri. N. Modi addressed the nation at Red Fort, New Delhi on the day, with social distancing guidelines in place.
“On India’s Independence Day, a sense of patriotic pride takes over all citizens as everyone wishes one another a happy independence day,” Ms Meshram explained.
“For those Indian nationals living around the world, it is also a day filled with national spirit, yet the way they express this is very different from that of Indian citizens living in homeland.
“It is, in effect, a day to summon up a communal understanding among the Indian nationals living in a foreign country.”
Officer Sikh Temple volunteers also celebrated the iconic day with video chats with friends and family in Australia and overseas, as well as art and craft activities.
“To me, it reminds me of the principles of equality, compassion, hope, solidarity, unity and respect for all cultures. And, of course, an opportunity to celebrate, connect with those from Indian origin, eat and dance,” he said.
“People normally would get together early in the morning to hoist the Indian flag, eat and share sweets, sing songs, wear traditional costumes, perform cultural dances and wish each other.
“We are making the best use of technology and counting our blessings.”
