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New Zealand lawmakers congratulate India on Freedom Day

Venkat Raman

Auckland, August 15, 2017

The New Zealand Parliament has congratulated the Government of India, the people of India and the Indian Diaspora on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of India’s Independence or the 71st Independence Day.

MPs closed ranks to accept a Resolution moved by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, New Zealand’s first India-born Member of Parliament.

The Resolution was passed before Parliament commenced its business for the day in Wellington’s Parliament House at 2 pm

Mr Bakshi said that it was a proud moment for him, his parliamentary colleagues, the government and people of New Zealand to express their greetings to the largest democracy in the world.

“I have also expressed our congratulations to the Indian High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli, Head of Chancery Sandeep Sood and other officials at the Diplomatic Mission in Wellington on this importance occasion,” Mr Bakshi said.

Our Staff Reporter adds:

India marks its 71st Independence Day today, with millions of Indians celebrating the event, remembering those who fought for the country’s freedom in the past century.

Indians born in India will recall the festivities that they would have attended as students and adults, and try to instil pride among their children and grandchildren.

Although it is more than seven decades since India became a free country with its own Constitution, Legislatures and Judiciary, the tumultuous years of the Freedom Movement and the sacrifices of thousands of people suffering foreign rule are still recalled at festivities held at educational institutions and other venues in India and overseas.

In New Zealand, the Indian High Commission hosted a flag-hoisting ceremony at ‘Bharat Bhavan,’ of the Wellington Indian Association, located at Kilbirnie. India’s High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli, Head of Chancery Sandeep Sood, Officials of the High Commission and members of the Indian community were present on the occasion.

The Indian High Commission will host a ‘Rock Fusion Concert’ as a part of a cultural programme at Bharat Bhavan at 8 pm on Friday, August 18, 2017.

The same programme will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland.

Similar events will be organised by the Auckland Indian Association in Auckland and others elsewhere in New Zealand.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum will be lit in the Tricolour of Indian National Flag for the first time tonight.

Serious challenges

Undoubtedly, India faces serious challenges, some of them threatening political and economic balance. The country has shown its resilience in overcoming these over the years. But the most important and most difficult challenge is to bring about a shift in the mindset on social issues. The ‘Common Minimum Programme’ that was mooted in the 1980s needs a revisit to revitalise the societal fabric and make it reflect the basic characteristic of India as a tolerant, secular and developing country.

India has always followed the path of ‘Ahimsa’ or Non-Violence and it has never been an aggressive country. On the contrary, it has been a victim of infiltration and unlawful occupation by its neighbours.

India has been a victim of terrorist attacks long before 9/11 but unlike some others, it did not wreak vengeance on perpetrators. Its nuclear programme is based on self-defence and primarily for peaceful purposes such as power generation and space exploration.

Global Player

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands for a New India which reaches out to countries and people in a spirit of cooperation for universal benefit. Since taking oath of office on May 26, 2016, he has visited almost many countries of the world, establishing a personal rapport with world leaders. His overseas trips have had three major objectives, namely, to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), engaging the 25 million strong Indian Diaspora and seeking India’s greater participation in regional and international forums as a Member.

Mr Modi is a great orator, capable of articulating on issues with conviction. His speeches in parliaments of various countries, conferences, summits and the United Nations have been a source of inspiration.

Genuine Peace

Speaking at the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2015, he called for unified work towards ‘genuine peace.’

“No one country or group of countries can determine the course of this world. There has to be a genuine international partnership. This is not just a moral position, but a practical reality. We need a genuine dialogue and engagement between countries. Our efforts must begin here – in the United Nations. We must reform the United Nations,” he said.

India has since long called for combined efforts to combat terrorism, strike at the roots of terrorists and bring to justice those supporting and sheltering terrorists.

Mr Modi asked the members of the UN to adopt the ‘Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism,’ and become partners in establishing peace, stability and order in the outer space and cyber space.

“Globalisation has created new poles of growth; new industries; and new source of employment. At the same time, billions live on the edge of poverty and want; countries that are barely able to survive a global economic storm. There has never been a time when it has seemed more possible than now to change this state of affairs,” he said.

Marching towards its chosen destiny, India disparately needs its sons and daughters to promote the ideals of their forefathers, freedom fighters and leaders to make it even a greater nation.

The country needs men and women who would not just do lip service but contribute towards its continued progress and prosperity.

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Photo Caption: National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi moving a revolution in New Zealand Parliament this morning congratulating India on 70th Independence Anniversary.

(Picture supplied)

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