The Indian Senior Citizens Association of Fraser Rise are offering the Brimbank community a taste of a true Indian celebration with an Independence Day celebration at the Fraser Rise Community Centre on August 12.
From 6.30pm the free event hosted by Hitanshu Gaur will offer singers, dance performers, games for kids and adults, a quiz, and food stalls.
Independence Day celebrates the anniversary of India gaining independence from England on August 15, 1947.
Indian Senior Citizens Association president Anil Puri said he loves Australia and all it has offered him, but a part in his heart that misses India and all of its celebrations.
“The event is called Vande Mataram which means ‘I praise you, my mother’. In India we consider our country our mother and no matter where we live the love never fades and we would always want to remember the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and celebrate being free,” he said.
“I lost my grandfather in the fight for freedom, too… Independence Day celebration is a key reminder for all Indians to reflect back on what we lost in our journey to get freedom and express gratitude for every breath we take.”
Mr Puri said he is hopeful little kids will see the event, and it might act as a conversation starter among their families to learn about Indian independence.
“I am very excited about the event…being able to bring the community together to celebrate something very important to my generation and pass that on to a new generation is very special.”
“Lastly, Indians are all about food and music and I am very excited to see the community coming together and eat, dance together and make new friends.”
Liam McNally
