By Shelby Brooks
In a merger of culture and national pride, leaders from several multicultural communities have come together to commemorate two national holidays.
Wednesday 26 January marked Australia Day and India Republic Day, which was jointly celebrated in an event lead by Officer resident and Community Response Australia president Sunny Duggal.
India Republic Day recognises the enactment of the Indian constitution in 1950 after achieving independence from Britain in 1947.
In India, the day is recognised an address from the Indian President and the traditional Republic Day parade in the capital, New Dehli, paying tribute to the Indian military and Indian culture.
The Community Response Australia event, held at Amberlee Receptions in Cranbourne, provided a unique opportunity for cross culture reflection and celebration within the community.
Mr Duggal said the event was a success.
“It was very powerful for me that so many people attended in these times of Covid,“ he said.
“Being that Australia Day is the same day, it was very significant to celebrate both days together with a wide community representation.“
An important element of the day was a Welcome to Country given by Uncle Shane Charles, Mr Duggal said.
Other significant attendees were AfriAusCare founder Mamma Selba, South Sudanese Australian Academic Society members Andrew Gai and Ankok Lueth, OESS Incorporated members Jasleen Bajaj and Soni Puri, Smiley Sandhu of Ethnic Women in Australia, members, Luckee and Sanjoo Kohli of Aust India Strategy Group and Wahegurupal Singh Mani of You are Not Alone.
Raj Kumar, the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, was also in attendance as a special guest.
