The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Auckland hosted its inaugural public event on Sunday, 26th January, celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India. Held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, this landmark event marked the first time the Consulate organized a community gathering in collaboration with various Indian diaspora groups. The event drew an impressive turnout, bringing together members of the Indian community, including prominent leaders, business professionals, and politicians from across the spectrum.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The day began with the newly appointed Consul General of India, Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, alongside the Indian Consulate team, including Consul Sanjeev Kumar, hoisting the Indian tricolour at 10 AM. This symbolic gesture was accompanied by the collective singing of the Indian national anthem, creating a sense of unity and patriotism among the large crowd in attendance. The sight of the flag soaring high, coupled with the stirring anthem, set a powerful tone for the day’s celebrations.
The formal proceedings commenced with an opening speech by Dr Madan Mohan Sethi. In his address, Dr. Sethi extended a warm welcome to all the attendees and invited guests, expressing his gratitude for their presence at such a significant occasion. He first read out the ‘Address to the Nation’ by the President of India, emphasizing the core values and achievements of the nation. During his speech, Dr. Sethi shared an update about the Consulate office, informing the audience that while the office would soon be fully operational, most consular services were already being offered from their temporary location at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. This announcement was met with enthusiastic applause, reflecting the community’s anticipation for a fully functioning Consulate.
The event featured speeches by several distinguished guests, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Among the speakers were Members of Parliament Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Dr. Parmjeet Parmar, and Dr. Carlos Cheung, who each conveyed their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Indian community. Former Honorary Consul Bhav Dhillon also addressed the gathering, reminiscing about the strong ties between India and New Zealand. Narendra Bhana, President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, expressed his gratitude to the community for their overwhelming participation in the Republic Day celebrations.
Cultural performances formed a key highlight of the event, showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of India. Around ten different community and cultural groups captivated the audience with mesmerizing dance performances, each reflecting the unique traditions of India. The vibrant costumes, rhythmic music, and energetic performances brought excitement and joy to the attendees.
The applause and cheers from the crowd after each performance underscored the enthusiasm and pride shared by everyone present. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Jeet Suchdev, one of the co-organizers of the program. In his closing remarks, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the event, including the organizing team, performers, and attendees.
Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi concluded on a hopeful note, sharing his vision for the Consulate’s role in serving the Indian community in Auckland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty regions. He assured the attendees that the Consulate would strive to meet the needs of people of Indian origin in these areas, strengthening the bond between India and its diaspora in New Zealand.
The celebrations culminated with a delicious lunch served in the dining area of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to connect with one another while relishing the traditional Indian dishes. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and joy, reflecting the success of the inaugural event.
The event’s success was widely acknowledged by those who attended. Many expressed their appreciation for the Indian Consulate’s efforts in organizing such a meaningful and well-executed program. The seamless blend of cultural pride, community spirit, and patriotic fervour made it a memorable occasion for all. Attendees voiced their hopes that this would be the first of many such events, fostering a tradition of unity and celebration within the Indian community in New Zealand. -Yugal Parashar