Melbourne’s Indian community celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with a flag hoisting ceremony and a vibrant event at the MCG.
Earlier in the day, the Indian tricolor was hoisted at the St Kilda office of the Consul General of India, marking the beginning of the day’s festivities.
The celebrations continued at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the evening. The venue, known for its rich history in sports, was a sea of vibrant colours as attendees dressed in traditional attire, reflecting the diversity and unity of the diaspora where Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India, addressed the gathering.
In his speech, Dr Kumar expressed his deep gratitude to the Indian community in Melbourne, emphasising their role in enriching the city’s cultural fabric. “Your presence is a matter of honour for us. As we celebrate the 78th Independence Day, we also mark 75 years of our Constitution, a symbol of our democratic values,” he said.

Dr Kumar highlighted the strong bonds between India and Australia, particularly through their shared love for sports. “Australian players have become an integral part of the Indian Premier League, and the excitement on the field reflects the deep friendship we share off the field. Celebrating our national day at the MCG, with the ICC World Champions Trophy displayed here, is a testament to our strong ties.”
He further spoke about the flourishing relationship between Victoria and India, noting that Victoria has become a preferred destination for Indian students, who bring with them a rich cultural heritage.
“The relationship between Victoria and India is a shining example of shared values and mutual respect. Over the years, we have witnessed remarkable progress across various sectors, and the Indian community here has been instrumental in enhancing the diversity of this great city,” Dr Kumar added.

Reflecting on his tenure as Consul General, Dr Kumar expressed pride in the contributions of the Indian diaspora. “The Indian community in Melbourne is not just about cultural preservation but also about cultural integration. Our community is actively engaged in all aspects of life. The success stories of Australian Indians serve as a testament to their hard work, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact in their adopted homeland.”
Dr.Kumar concluded his speech by thanking the people and government of Victoria for their continued support of the Indian diaspora. “As we look to the future, the potential for further cooperation between Victoria and India is immense, and I look forward to seeing our relationship grow even stronger.”
The event at the MCG was a vibrant celebration of India’s independence, reflecting the pride and unity of Melbourne’s Indian community.
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#Melbourne's Indian community celebrated 78th #IndianIndependenceDay at the #MCG with a vibrant event, cultural pride & unity. Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar praised the diaspora's contributions & strong India-Australia ties. 🇮🇳🏟️🎉🤝🌟 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/tmuWjUoPI1
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