It has been 68 years since India gained independence on August 15, 1947. To celebrate this occasion State Labor Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley MP joined with the Consul General of India, Mr Manika Jain at a special reception.

Ms Graley attended the celebration on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition Daniel Andrews and the Labor Party.

The reception, held at the Indian consulate in Melbourne paid tribute to the many Indians who fought to achieve Independence for India. Ms Graley spoke of her visit to India and the museum commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent commitment to achieve independence

In particular, Ms Graley paid tribute to the extraordinary Mahatma Ghandi and the thousands of freedoms fighters who chose to pursue a non-violent path to independence.

“Ghandi once said be the change you wish to see in the world. There is no doubt that he lived and breathed this message, he is one of modern history’s great heroes.”

Ms Graley took the opportunity to recognise not only the sacrifices of those who sought independence, but those who have and will shape the future and are now making India one of the most important countries in the world

Ms Graley also recognised the outstanding strides made by the Indian community in empowering women at home and abroad. Special mention was made of Indira Gandhi, the second woman Prime Minister in history and India’s second longest serving Prime Minister.

“She inspired women all over the world. As a member of the Labor party I admired her commitment to the principle of equal pay for equal work for both men and women.”

It was a night to celebrate Indian history, culture and of course the immeasurable contribution India has made to not only Victoria but the world.

“I was thrilled to be joined by Lisa Singh, a Labor Senator for Tasmania and the very first federal Parliamentarian of Indian origin to celebrate India’s wonderful history.”

Ms Graley said that the Indian community should be immensely proud of all that they have achieved thus far, but also hopeful for the future they will undoubtedly shape.

“There is no doubt that the Indian community, it’s values, beliefs and of course it’s people have made our community a better place,”

“It lifts my heart to see so many young people from an Indian background doing so well in our wonderful multicultural Victoria.”