Indians in Melbourne were among the others across the globe who celebrated the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day on 15 August. In Melbourne, the Consulate General of India hoisted the tricolour at its St Kilda office amid many members of the community.
For Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India, Melbourne, his new posting could not have come at a more joyous time. On 16 August, hosting the National Day Reception for community members at Thornbury Theatre, he expressed his delight at being able to represent India in Victoria, “a very truly multicultural and most diverse State of Australia”.
Kumar, who has just completed three weeks in Melbourne, at the outset thanked the gesture of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, for partnering in these celebrations and illuminating 40 Australian iconic monuments, including the MCG, the Rod Lever Arena and Sydney’s Opera House – a sign of the growing ties between two democracies.
Lauding the Australia-India relations that have made remarkable progress in the last few years, Kumar said, “This is a special partnership characterised by shared values of a pluralistic parliamentary democracies, Commonwealth traditions, expanding economic engagement, long standing people-to-people ties and increasing high level interaction. There have been several high-level exchanges between the two countries.”
From trade and investment to defence and security to education and innovation, science and technology, collaborations have grown rapidly in many other areas, such as critical minerals, water management, renewable energy, and Covid-19 research, he said.
This April, the countries signed the India Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. “A watershed moment, it reflects the complementarities between our economies. While it covers the entire gamut of trade and commercial relations, it will also make it easier for us to exchange students, professionals, and tourists, further strengthening our people-to-people ties,” the Consul General said.
Kumar also expressed his appreciation for the Indian diaspora in Melbourne and Australia in general for contributing to the economy and culture of this place whether in professions, government, education, research or business. “I see that the Indian community is thriving here and yet it is proud of its heritage and culture”, he said, noting, “Our diaspora is a valuable stakeholder in India’s growth and development.”
On behalf of Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence, Labor Member of Parliament for Footscray Katie Hall, who was present on the occasion, conveyed their best wishes.
Hall spoke of the similarities and shared values between India and Australia such as the foundation of democracy and freedom of speech. “May this Independence Day be an opportunity to pause and reflect on the democratic institutions that underpin our societies,” she said.
Social, cultural and economic contributions by the Indian diaspora fosters multiculturalism and one that is based on sharing, Hall added.
The evening’s function saw the singing of national anthems of both Australia and India, raising of toast to the friendship between the two countries, songs and a classical dance presentation by a young student. The evening wound up with a lovely treat to mouth-watering Indian dishes.
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