The 75th anniversary of Independence Day of India, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, was celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm in Sydney, Australia. The Consulate General of India, Sydney (CGI) organised the flag hoisting ceremony on the Consulate premises. The Consul General Manish Gupta unfurled the tricolour and read out the President's address. The formal celebration was followed by a few cultural performances. As part of Cultural performances, patriotic songs were performed by various artists and Indian Classical Dance Bharatnatyam performed by Rasika Dance Academy. Light refreshments were also served, post the event. The event was attended by more than 200 guests. To mark the occasion, a grand celebration was organised at the prestigious ‘The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. The grand celebration at the powerhouse museum had the gracious presence of Governor, Margaret Beazley AC QC &. Dennis Wilson, Governor of New South Wales, Serving Ministers, Federal and NSW MPs, Mayors, Councillors, Consular Corps and distinguished guests from all walks of life.
Charkha and Kargha – a dedicated exhibition to Indian textile
It also displays the Charkha and Kargha Exhibition supported by India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Sydney) showcasing the rich heritage of Indian textiles. The evening celebrations were started with lighting of lamp by the dignitaries followed by singing of National Anthems of India and Australia. The evening was bejewelled by the vibrant Bharatanatyam performance by the exponents of Kalashree Dance Academy, Sydney, and conceptualized Dhanashree Karandikar. The grace and elegant moves in classic synchronization gave a true reflection of the wonderful classical dance Bharatnatyam evolved from the beautiful state of Tamilnadu with the evolved legacy of more than 2000 years.
To compliment the rich legacy of Indian textiles known for its exquisite vibrant yet elegant outlook, its dedicated textile exhibition was curated by the prestigious Powerhouse Museum reflecting the saga of diverse Indian culture inspiring the evolution of Indian textiles. The exhibition, aptly named as “Charkha & Kargha” meaning a spinning wheel & loom, features over 100 rare items dating back to 16th century from the foundational collection of the Powerhouse Museum. The exhibition also showcases uniquely the evolved status of Indian textiles through the exquisite collection of fabric such as Silk, Cotton, Khadi, Linen, and Jute gifted by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The exhibition also exhibits live demonstration of handlooms by the national award winner master weavers from a city older than history Banaras & Pochampalli. These master weavers are Naseem Ahmed, Tauseef Ahmed, Ramesh Thadaka (national award-handloom), Yadagiri Paladi. These weavers are known for producing world class fabric through their unparalleled craftsmanship and are also known for dedication of generations.
Inspired by the exhibition, a dedicated segment highlighting the rich legacy of Indian threads named as “Viraasati Dhaage” have showcased various states of India, actively contributed by the Sydney based Indian community.
All these events and the occasion peaked when the Indian Tricolour in all its majestic glory unfurled at the iconic Sydney Opera House and proudly celebrated Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. A unique gesture by the government of NSW and Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister of Culture and Consul General Manish Gupta accepted the gesture and conveyed the gratitude to the government of NSW.
This year was very special because of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and was warmly celebrated by the state and federal government of Australia. In the Sydney area prominent all city councils such as Parramatta, Blacktown, Wollongong, Strathfield, Ryde, Ku-ring-gai have organised flag hoisting ceremonies in august presence of Indian community residents. This is the reflection of growing Indian aspirations and the glory of the Indian diaspora which has constructively contributed to the multicultural ethos of Australian society and have formed a strong bridge between India and Australia.