Adelaide’s Indian community celebrates Indian Independence Day
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
A group of Punjabi girls presented the Bhangra beautifully and then, the boys performed a very traditional and exuberant Bhangra too!
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.
All photos courtesy Akil Madan Photography
