India’s freedom from British rule came at great cost to the country and more than 70 years later the generations that follow still mark the day, no matter where they live.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In Ballarat the local Indian community celebrated Indian Independence Day with a flag raising ceremony outside the town hall, and a morning tea.
Ballarat Indian Association president Xavier Mani was proud to see the flag of his birth country flying high above the main street of his adopted home.
“One of the things we try to see and teach our next generations, even here in Ballarat, is that we still value our traditions and customs of our country and continue them,” he said.
And he hoped the wider community would also learn about India’s fight for independence.
“This day signifies when India won independence from the British after more than 200 years. On this 71st Independence Day we pay our respects to our forefathers who fought for freedom from British rule.”
India attained freedom in 1947 following a decades long independence movement noted for largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress.
Independence coincided with the partition of India along religious lines into India and Pakistan. But violent riots and mass casualties accompanied the partition with up to a million people dying during the violence.
Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said celebrating the special days of the different communities who make up Ballarat was enriching for the entire city.
“We are seeing a growing Indian population in Ballarat which we embrace and celebrate and we absolutely enjoy the cultural exchange and welcome we have,” she said.
According to the 2016 Census, there are 1132 people of Indian descent living in Ballarat, making it one of the fastest growing migrant groups in the city.
“We’ve got a growing multicultural community and we love it. Who we are as a population and city is more exciting with these new nationalities, new ways and new knowledge.”
Jayashri Sharma said she was happy to see Indians gather together in Ballarat to celebrate Independence Day and continue their traditions. “There is an atmosphere in Ballarat of acceptance. Everyone finds their little niche and Ballarat has been so welcoming to all of us.”
