United Indianz India’s Independence Day Celebration

Written by: Ranjit Singh Ahluwalia

Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland, New Zealand had a gala day on Saturday August 18 to celebrate India’s 60th year of Independence.

A total of 24 Indian Organizations joined hands to celebrate the Diamond jubilee of India's Independence. This was a dream come true for Ashokbhai Darji, the immediate past president of NZICA.

The highlights included fun and frolic at various food stalls and craft stalls.  The day also included cultural performances organized by the cultural committee headed by Harshadbhai Patel.

Some of the unforgettable performances included a Bhangra by NZ Punjabi Cultural Organization, Garba by ISSO, Potters' folklore by Kannada Koota Association, Music by Carnatic Music Society, an item by Malayli Samajam , Bollywood dance by Indianz School,
Rang De Basanti by V4U studios, children’s dance prepared by Jaspreet Kaur  Ahluwalia, Bharat Natyam by Ratna Nagalaxmi Venkat and classical dances by Anuradha School of Dance and by Padma School of Dance.

The show also included beautiful performers by some very talented singers, Sree Ram, Avish and Kiranjit Singh. The young children of Global Indian School Auckland did a tremendous job of performing for the guests. The special performance by Neerja Srivastva from India won a lot of applause when she presented her tarana - a special type of Kathak dance.

Miss IndiaNz 2006, Gagan Kaur was the main host and was supported by Dasham,Jasleen, Harman, Ann Pala from Waitakere and Nimi Bedi from Manukau. All compares presented well and helped to make the show a huge success. Their efforts were well appreciated by the audience.

The dignitaries included His Excellency Anand Satyanand, Governor General of New Zealand, His Excellency KP Earnest, High Commissioner of India, Rt. Honourable Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand and Minister of Ethnic Affairs Mr. Chris Carter. Many Members of Parliament and local officials also attended the celebrations and praised the humble effort made by Indians to celebrate the 60th Independence Day under the banner of United Indianz.

The celebrations ended with the vote of thanks by Manish Tanna and the singing of the national anthem of India in unity.