On the occasion of the 71st Independence Day of the Republic of India, August 15, 2917, the Consul General of India in Sydney unfurled the Indian National Tricolour and delivered message from the Honorable President of the Republic of India to the members of the Indian Community and Friends of India, gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion. The ceremony was followed by rendition of patriotic songs by Sydney based talents from various walks of life.

The ceremony was attended by a diverse cross-section of Indian diaspora including from senior government and business leaders, City Councillors, members of the Indian community, ethnic media, academicians, students and friends of India. (Photographs 1-4 attached )

The Consulate General of India in Sydney also hosted a reception to mark the 70th Anniversary of India’s Independence in the evening of August 15, 2017. The reception was graced by many dignitaries including Hon. Ray Williams MP, , Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Disability representing the Hon Premier of NSW; Hon. Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Finance, Services and Property; Hon. David Elliott, MP, Minister for Counter Terrorism, Minister for Corrections, and Minister for Veterans Affairs;  other Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Council, includes Hon. Geoff Lee, MP, Hon. Jodi Mackay, MP, Hon. David Clarke, MP, Hon. Mark Taylor, MP, Hon. Jonathan O’Dea MP, and Hon. Daniel Mookhey, MLC; Mayor of Randwick, Consular Corps; representatives from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NSW State Office; Senior officials of various departments of NSW Government, local business representatives, mainstream and ethnic media and prominent members of the Indian Community.

The reception included playing of National Anthems of Australia and India, Speeches by the Consul General and the Chief Guest and a few dance performances by the Narthana Dance School, Newcastle. Beautifully crafted Tabla and Sarod rendition of “Raga – Bageshri” welcomed the guests for the evening.

Consul General during his address highlighted the bilateral relationship between India and NSW as well as India and South Australia.

Hon Ray Williams congratulated Consulate General of India for hosting such a grand event on the auspicious occasion for India. He briefly touched upon the efforts of Indian freedom fighters that brought freedom to India. He profusely thanked the Diaspora and the role they play in the economy of NSW. (Photographs 5-8 attached).