By Marcus Uhe
While many celebrated Australia Day on 26 January, the Indian community also marked the date with a cultural celebration of their own.
India Republic Day falls on the same date, which marks the enactment of the Indian constitution in 1950 after achieving independence from Britain in 1947.
In India, the day is recognised with an address from the Indian President and the traditional Republic Day parade in the capital, New Dehli, paying tribute to the Indian military and Indian culture.
Karan Gandhok is president of the Australian Indian Society of Victoria (AISV), which hostied a Republic Day dinner at Amberlee receptions in Cranbourne.
The Indian flag was raised and the national anthems of both India and Australia were sung as the community gathered to mark the occasion with a three-course meal.
Mr Gandhok said this year’s festivities held particular significance as Melbourne recovers from the unwanted title of being the world’s most locked-down city, on top of being shut off from India by the Australian Federal Government in 2021.
Passenger flights from India to Australia were temporarily suspended in April last year as the country found itself swamped by a surge in Covid-19 infections, in what was an “emotionally draining” period for the community.
“After the trials and tribulations of Covid-19, to some extent the day definitely demands a celebration to say that we’ve reached the other side,” Mr Gandhok said.
“Everybody is looking for an excuse to get out there and celebrate in person.”
Data from the 2016 census shows India was one of the highest ranked countries of birth for Victorian residents, with just under three per cent of Victorians falling into that category.
Mr Gandhok is one of those, having been born in Ranchi in India’s east before moving to Australia with his family as a 17-year-old in 1982.
He said he misses India from time to time, including on occasions like this, but he welcomed the opportunity to recognise Australian culture at the same time.
“We do miss not being in India and celebrating the parade, but we embrace living here,” Mr Gandhok said.
“Indians are some of the most patriotic citizens of Australia.”
The AISV has about 400 members and works to support new migrants settling into Australia, promote active participation in community events and provide representation to federal, state and local government bodies on migrant issues.
