India is celebrating its 74th Independence Day on August 15, 2020, commemorating the nation’s independence from British rule in 1947.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison extended his warm congratulations to the people of India on this occasion.
Highlights:
- Australian PM and other leaders have wished India on its Independence day.
- India is celebrating its 74th Independence day on August 15, 2020.
- Celebrations will be clouded by the global pandemic.
"As a longstanding friend of India, Australia joins wholeheartedly in its celebration of independence and extends our warm congratulations to the people of India," Mr Morrison said in his special message to the diaspora in Australia.
"As I said during the visit to Australia of President Kovind: "Our cultures might be different, but we believe in similar things. We believe of the supremacy of the ballot-box in our national life; in the rule of law; in institutions that safeguard rights; and the responsibility of free people to build a better world," his message reads.
Each year, the Prime Minister of India unveils India’s tricolour at the Red Fort in Delhi followed by a speech from the historic monument. However, the celebrations this year will be low-key due to widespread coronavirus infections across the country.
The cultural program performed by children has been cancelled. The grounds at the Red Fort, which are usually open to the public, will also remain closed to the public as a part of the social-distancing measures.
It is likely the celebrations will be limited to a speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a 21-gun salute, the National Anthem and the unfurling of the National Flag.
PM Morrison said, "While this year's celebrations will be different, and many of the traditional gatherings will not take place, we can all draw strength from the values that our countries share."
"The deep friendship between Australia and India is about more than trade and diplomacy. Founded on bharosa (trust) and samman (respect) – it is a friendship with depth and marked by democracy, defence cooperation, diaspora and dosti (mateship). "
Mr Morrison also acknowledged the Indian community in Australia on the occasion.
"We know people are the living bridge between our countries: as students; skilled workers; or joining family, people of Indian heritage have enriched this country. India is now our biggest source of migrants, and their presence has contributed to Australia becoming the most successful multicultural nation on earth," reads his message.
The Leader of Opposition, Anthony Albanese of the Australian Labour Party too joined in to wish the Indian community in Australia.
He said in this pandemic-afflicted year, the celebrations of this momentous anniversary will be of a different nature.
"Coming just two years after the end of World War II, India's independence was a beacon of light after a period of profound darkness," Mr Albanese said in his message.
He also remembered India's first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru's famous first speech from the Red Fort called the 'Tryst With Destiny'.
"It was a "tryst with destiny", as Prime Minister Nehru so famously called it. And as the clock struck midnight, a great nation rose to its feet and embraced that destiny: a destiny of life, freedom, power and the responsibility that comes with it. Seventy-three years later, India still stands tall as the world's biggest democracy and as a remarkable, vibrant and diverse country," he said in his message.
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian commended the Indian-Australians for being responsible citizens.
To the large Indian diaspora that calls NSW home, Ms Berjiklian said, "Indian-Australians are also appreciated for being responsible fellow citizens, and the NSW Government commends them for so diligently supporting the measures that are countering the spread of COVID-19," Ms Berejiklian said.
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