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Huge crowd turns out for Indian Independence Day

India is home to more than 100 languages, 700 distinct tribes, and every major religion, but they all came together to honour the sacrifices made to win independence from the British Empire in 1947.

Aatheeshan Vithiyananthan of Hridayam School of Dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Aatheeshan Vithiyananthan of Hridayam School of Dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba’s Indian community came together at the weekend to celebrate its diverse culture and to honour the sacrifices made to win the nation’s freedom from the British Empire.

Indian Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 and marks the day in 1947 when the Indian Constituent Assembly took power after a decades-long campaign of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.

Organiser Yaju Mahida said there were about 900 people at the Toowoomba celebration, which included a mix of Indian migrants and Aussies.

“Modern India is one of the most diverse nations in the world, a subcontinent that is home to over 100 languages, more than 700 distinct tribes, and every major religion globally,” he said.

“Each state, territory, and region within India boasts its own unique and defining cultural characteristics.

“Think of India as more of a continent than a country.

“This year’s initiative, Experience India in Australia, brought the spirit of India to life during the India Independence Day celebration.

“It was a vibrant showcase of unity in diversity, with over 80 performers from various backgrounds presenting more than 16 cultural programs.

Food, dancing and colour are the hallmarks of Indian culture and Mr Mahida said the 2024 celebrations did not disappoint.

“Australians were treated to an authentic Indian experience, creating a mini India here in Toowoomba, complete with culinary delights.”

“We achieved this with the active support and involvement of several diverse Indian associations in Toowoomba, including the Toowoomba Malayalee Association, Toowoomba Tamil Association, Telugu Association of Toowoomba, Toowoomba Gujarati Community, and Toowoomba Punjabi Community.”

University of South Queensland Masters graduate Naveen Naik Bhukya joined in the celebration and said Independence Day was about bringing the diverse community together.

“It is a celebration of freedom,” he said.

“The speeches are about how we got freedom from the British and the people who sacrificed their lives for that freedom

“It feels amazing, Australian gave us a good opportunity to celebrate, there is no discrimination and we feel proud.”

Toowoomba’s India diaspora have their eyes on the future with celebrations planned for the Holi, India Day, and Diwali festivals.

“We are also thankful for Australia’s heartfelt multiculturalism, which enables us to curate a rich and diverse cultural experience right here in Australia,” Mr Mahida said.

Children perform a selection of Bollywood favourites as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Children perform a selection of Bollywood favourites as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Vishwa Nirmal (left) and Nancy Shah before performing the Ganesh dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Vishwa Nirmal (left) and Nancy Shah before performing the Ganesh dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Ashish and Khushbu Solanki as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Ashish and Khushbu Solanki as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Murti Kavani on stage performing a selection of Bollywood favourites as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Murti Kavani on stage performing a selection of Bollywood favourites as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Vishwa Nirmal (left) and Nancy Shah before performing the Ganesh dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Vishwa Nirmal (left) and Nancy Shah before performing the Ganesh dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Hridayam School of Dance dancers (from left) Aatheeshan Vithiyananthan, Aishwitha Vithiyananthan and Amutha Kandasamy as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Hridayam School of Dance dancers (from left) Aatheeshan Vithiyananthan, Aishwitha Vithiyananthan and Amutha Kandasamy as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Getting together are (from left) Naveen Genedi, Siddhardha Muppalla, Prudhvi Bandaru, Rushi Rendla and Naveen Naik Bhukya as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Getting together are (from left) Naveen Genedi, Siddhardha Muppalla, Prudhvi Bandaru, Rushi Rendla and Naveen Naik Bhukya as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Celebrating are (from left) Jismi Jose, Aleena Biju, Gopika Jeenasnath Nair, Aleena Mary Jossy, Rosna Roy and Rose Maria Johnson as Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Celebrating are (from left) Jismi Jose, Aleena Biju, Gopika Jeenasnath Nair, Aleena Mary Jossy, Rosna Roy and Rose Maria Johnson as Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Monika Shinde (left) and Geetanjali Malhotra as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Monika Shinde (left) and Geetanjali Malhotra as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Gursawan Randhawa on stage performing a selection of Bollywood favourites as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Gursawan Randhawa on stage performing a selection of Bollywood favourites as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Gitie House speaks about history as Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Gitie House speaks about history as Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Ashish and Khushbu Solanki as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Ashish and Khushbu Solanki as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Aatheeshan Vithiyananthan of Hridayam School of Dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Aatheeshan Vithiyananthan of Hridayam School of Dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
The national anthems of Australia and Indian are played as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
The national anthems of Australia and Indian are played as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Children after performing a selection of Bollywood favourites as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Children after performing a selection of Bollywood favourites as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Monika Shinde (left) and Geetanjali Malhotra as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Monika Shinde (left) and Geetanjali Malhotra as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Aishwitha Vithiyananthan (right) performs with Hridayam School of Dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Aishwitha Vithiyananthan (right) performs with Hridayam School of Dance as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Getting together are (from left) Naveen Genedi, Siddhardha Muppalla, Prudhvi Bandaru, Rushi Rendla and Naveen Naik Bhukya as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Getting together are (from left) Naveen Genedi, Siddhardha Muppalla, Prudhvi Bandaru, Rushi Rendla and Naveen Naik Bhukya as the Indian Communities of Toowoomba host Indian Independence Day celebrations at Centenary Heights SHS, Saturday, August 17, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/community/huge-crowd-turns-our-for-indian-independence-day/news-story/8930d910fdec415d3351f130e0f37b3f