Indian community prepare for first big united Independence Day event

The Toowoomba Indian communities are coming together this year for the first united Independence Day event. Here’s how you can get involved.

UNITED CELEBRATION: Preparing for Indian Independence Day celebrations are Sarabjeet Kaur (front, left) and Aaditi Dang (front, right) with (back, from left) Gitie House, Ravindar Madhas, Yaju Mahinda and Paul Varghese. Pictures: Kevin Farmer

Aaditi Dang is proud to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather, a freedom fighter who fought for independence from the British beside Gandhi.

Now she is part of a large team combining all the different regions of India and Toowoomba community groups together for a united Independence Day event this month alongside fellow community leaders, Sarabjeet Kaur, Gitie House, Ravindar Madhas, Yaju Mahida and Paul Varghese.

“This year is the 75th milestone of India’s Independence and the first time all of the local Indian communities have come together to celebrate,” she said.

“It’s a very important day for all Indians.”

Aaditi Dang and Paul Varghese prepare for Indian Independence Day celebrations in Toowoomba.

Mr Mahida said in India, Independence Day is a public holiday and usually involved speeches, a flag-hoisting ceremony, a parade by the Indian Defence Force.

“India is one of the most religiously, ethnically diverse and peaceful nations in the world,” he said.

“With 28 states and eight union territories, over 700 different tribes, and home to over 100 languages, India has many unique and distinctive festivals and Indian Independence day celebrated as a nation across the nation with great pride.”

Mr Varghese explained that on August 15 India ceased to be a colonial nation and secured full autonomy from the long-standing British rule.

“The day holds great significance in the heart of every Indian citizen living in India and abroad,” he said.

“We can’t wait to celebrate with the entire community with pletny of Indian music, dancing, performances and food.

Preparing for Indian Independence Day celebrations are (from left) Gitie House, Ravindar Madhas, Yaju Mahida, Sarabjeet Kaur, Paul Varghese and Aaditi Dang.

“This is just the beginning and we have hopes to continue the same united effort to celebrate other common festivals of India in Toowoomba. We are also calling upon other local active Indian communities and their leaders to come forward and join us to continue this new beginning.”

The Independence Day event is on Saturday, August 21 at Centenary Heights State High School from 6pm.

Tickets are $5 and there is only a limited number left to purchase via Eventbrite.