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Remembering the homeland

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Adelaide’s Indian community celebrates Indian Independence Day

Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
Of all the national holidays there is something special about Independence Day. There is graveness and glee. The martyrs are remembered and freedom is joyfully celebrated!
And so it was in Adelaide as the Indian community celebrated India’s 69th Independence Day. Organised by the Indian Australian Association of South Australia, it began with the national anthems of both India and Australia – which was led by children – and the customary speech by the (acting) President of the Association, Rajni Madan. She spoke about India’s history, achievements and about issues facing people of Indian origin in Adelaide.
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
This was followed by a song by Seema Sreekumar which, while being an expected fare, was far from it. Her rendition of ay mere watan ke logon  had more than a few moist eyes in the audience.
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
After speeches by the chief guests Dana Wortley MP, Russel Wortley MLC and Jing Lee MLC, the seriously fun business of celebrating independence commenced with music and dancing.
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
The Odissi invocatory dance by Vithya and Seesha was enchanting. This was followed by a national integration item by children of the Tamil school that truly brought out the secular and multicultural nature of independent India.
Dr Laalithya Kundur’s Kuchipudi number Shiva Tandava Stotram, performed flawlessly, was majestic and fit in beautifully with the gravity of the function.
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
Then came the exuberance of groups of children or young people performing folk dances or Bollywood numbers! If Mudra Dance Academy performed to Maa tujhe salaam, the Dancing Mist girls danced gracefully to Chaan ke Mohalla!
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
A group of Punjabi girls presented the Bhangra beautifully and then, the boys performed a very traditional and exuberant Bhangra too!
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
All in all, the audience enjoyed the singing and dancing tapping their feet or clapping their hands to the beat. And the evening ended with snacks and sweets.
Indian Australian Association of South Australia.Indian Link
All photos courtesy Akil Madan Photography
 

Vinaya Rai
Vinaya Rai
Vinaya Rai is a counsellor by profession with interests in writing, radio, emcee'ing, organising and attending events.

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