Melbourne’s Sovereign Room at the Convention and Exhibition Centre came alive with the colours, sounds and flavours of India as political leaders, diplomats and community figures gathered to mark the 78th anniversary of Indian independence on Wedesday evening.
Hosted by Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar and Mrs Mona Sushil, the national day reception featured performances by Indian troupes and speeches on India–Australia’s shared history and growing ties.
Dr Kumar welcomed guests to “the beautiful city of Melbourne,” calling it a special night that filled him with joy and gratitude, and saying each guest brought something special. Acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, he spoke of India’s journey “from a struggle to sovereignty and from aspiration to achievement” and highlighted another milestone – five years of the comprehensive partnership between India and Australia.
Reflecting on his time as Consul General, Dr Kumar said the relationship was “more dynamic than ever before,” with political, trade, education and cultural links expanding. “Partnerships between Victorian universities and leading Indian institutions have multiplied, creating opportunities for collaborative research, joint degree programs and exchanges that benefit both our students and societies,” he said.
He praised the diaspora as “a shining example of integration,” adding that “unity in diversity is our strength” and describing the audience as “a microcosm of India here.” He closed by expressing “deep appreciation” for the Victorian Government and the commitment to take the relationship “to even greater heights,” calling the celebration “a celebration of our freedom, our friendship and our fair future.”
Victorian Minister for Environment, Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos praised the community’s ability to preserve heritage while embracing Australia. “Your warm reception and your willingness to open your homes and your temples… to allow us to touch a bit of your beautiful civilisation, culture—that’s very, very special to a lot of us,” he said.
He noted record levels of Indian visitors to Victoria, with 220,000 in the past year representing a 24 per cent rise, and the state’s top ranking for hosting Indian students. Calling India “an economic powerhouse, a global leader in digital innovation,” Dimopoulos said that if India had a home in Australia, “it would be meeting in Melbourne tonight.”
Federal MP Tim Watts drew on both history and personal experience to frame the relationship. “Today, Australia and India are close partners… our ties through defence, culture, education and sport are stronger than ever,” he said, adding that Indian Australians are “the lifeblood of the relationship of Australia and India, now nearly a million strong” and “a living, breathing bridge between our two nations.”
Watts recalled the little-known fact that Australia was among the first to celebrate Indian independence. “Everyone knows the story about how, at the midnight hour when the world slept, India awoke to freedom. But thanks to the quirks of international time zones, Australia was already awake to a free India. The Indian embassy in Canberra celebrated independence before anyone else in the world.”
He said his own electorate reflected that living connection, with “leaders of geographies, businesses, restaurateurs, Hollywood stars—every aspect of Australian life shaped by the Indian Australian.”
Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin spoke of the Indian community’s growing influence across the state. “You are an aspirational community. You want the opportunities Victoria offers. You want to see the next generation get the benefits of such an amazing place to live,” he said.
Battin highlighted the community’s entrepreneurial drive, pointing to new businesses and opportunities created in Victoria. He also emphasised the role of volunteerism. “Every time we have a major devastation in Victoria, the first people who turn up are the Indian community, whether it is to offer food, support, counselling or financial advice. Can I say thank you so much?.”
The evening unfolded with a mix of performances that reflected the diversity and creativity of the Indian-Australian community. The opening featured Scottish bagpipes playing both the Australian and Indian national anthems, setting a unique tone for the night.
Dr Sushil Kumar’s children took to the stage with a dance performance, followed by vibrant Rajasthani folk dances that drew enthusiastic applause. The reception was steered by MC Pallavi Sharda, whose presence added warmth and pace to the evening.
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