Happy Indian Independence day!

Congratulations to the land of my birth and to my fellow Indian New Zealanders as we celebrate 73 years of Indian independence.

Today is a day of rememberance as we pay tribute to the men and women across India who fought for what they believed in and gave up their lives to achieve independence.

On this day, we celebrate ancient India – one of the oldest and richest civilisations – and her significant contributions on the global stage. We also celebrate modern India – the largest functioning democracy that has made significant economic and industrial progress over the last several years.

This year, my thoughts and prayers also go to everyone in India as they too grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

India and New Zealand have a longstanding, warm relationship. Our ties go back to the 1800s, with Indians settling in NZ as early as the 1850s. Our relationship has strengthened over time and today, our vibrant and diverse Kiwi Indian community contributes enormously to NZ’s society, culture and economy – and in virtually every sector.

This year, I also want to specially acknowledge the contributions made by various organisations to support families and international students who needed additional assistance as we all deal withCOVID-19. It has been – and continues to be – a tough time for many but it was special to see many of our Kiwi Indian organisations, mandirs and gurdwaras work collectively as part of our team of 5 million with the government to eliminate COVID-19 from our shores. Thank you all for the part you continue to play as we deal with the impact of this pandemic and we keep moving to rebuild our economy together.

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Labour List MP for Maungakiekie and Parliamentary Private Secretary for the Minister for Ethnic Communities

National List MP based in Manukau, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, also sends his Indian Independence Day wished to all the readers of The Indian News.