Indian community in Sydney celebrates Republic Day

By Vijay Badhwar

There was marked enthusiasm among the large Indian Diaspora who attended the 2020 Republic Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Indian Consulate in Sydney with frequent slogans: Jai Hind, Bharat Mata ki Jai.

The formal part of the ceremony included unfurling of the Tricolur by the Consul General Manish Gupta followed by National Anthem and reading of the Indian President’s message on the eve of the 71st Republic Day.

Addressing the current debate on the Constitution of India, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the  constitution had given some rights to all of us as citizens of an independent democracy. “But within the Constitution itself, we have also taken the responsibility that we should always be committed to the fundamental democratic ideals of justice, liberty and equality and brotherhood,” he added.

Mr Kovind highlighted the government achievements of providing Rs 6000 annually to more than 140 million farmers under the programme, ”˜Kisan Samman Nidhi’, in a bid to alleviate poverty in the country. He also commended the implementation of GST in the country that had helped realise ”˜one country, one tax, one market’.

Followed cultural items, a motivating song by Hindi Choir Group, ”˜Hum Honge Kamyaab’, a classical dance performance by Divya Krishnan, Kanishka Ramesh and others and singing of Vande Matram by SBS Gujarati programme presenter, Jelam Hardik.

Sumptuous refreshments were on the table for everyone, the long queues providing the opportunity for sharing social notes.  

Pics. by Vijay Badhwar and Harmohan Singh Walia

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