Council of Indian Australians Inc. (CIA) Celebrated INDIA DAY DINNER 2017 – 71^st  Indian Independence Day on 12th August 2017 at Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown 2148

Various political dignitaries attended the India Day Dinner 2017 function from both sides of politics – federal and state. The chief guest for the event was The Premier of NSW, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP.

Mr Mohit Kumar, President of Council of Indian Australians welcomed all dignitaries and guests and commenced the proceeding of the function. Mr Nitin Shukla, Event Director and CIA Vice President played a role of MC and stated highlights of the program.

The highlight of this year’s India Day celebration was different, patriotic and innovative! With the help of Garage Films, a local artist and Film Producer with Bollywood experience produced a unique 27mts film titled Freedom Yatra mainly to remember our freedom fighters and their sacrifices in a journey to India’s Independence. The film reminded people about our main freedom fighters namely Mahatma Ghandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Raani Laxmibai, Sardar Patel, Mangal Pandey, Jawaharlal Nehru and Tatya Tope. The film turned out to be of outstanding, extremely well received and mesmerized all guests and dignitaries! The CIA invested lots of time, efforts and hard work to an extent that members of Council of Indian Australians Executive Committee acted most of character’s role!

The official part of the program commenced with the presentation of a video on CIA vision and recent achievements. Following the video film presentation, the guests rose for national anthems of both Australia and India.

As a formal part of the program, in his welcome address, Mr Mohit Kumar, President of the Council of Indian said “It is through events like these, that we introduce our children, grandchildren and for the lucky ones their great grandchildren to our unique culture in the hope that they carry our invaluable ancestral knowledge for generations to come”.

The NSW Premier, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, wore Indian sari and spoke highly about India and contributions made by Indian Australians in Australia. The Premier’s quote: “Today India is an extraordinary development, is an inspiration to people all around the world. We look to India as world’s largest democracies and one of the most dynamic nations in the world.”

Ms Jodi Mckay MP, representing The Opposition Leader Mr Luke Foley MP also spoke highly about contributions Indians have done to wonderful community in Australia. She also spoke in NSW Parliament about the importance of Indian Australians in community and Indian freedom fighters.