Indian Independence Day celebrations

Karuna Price performs at a celebration to mark 75 years of Indian independence, held at the University of Otago Student Union yesterday.

Tiara Das (right) and Staines John also performed. Yesterday was the 76th Indian Independence Day.

Arasan NZ Trust chairman Lux Selvanesan, of Dunedin, said the event was a great success, and brought together a diverse range of Indian communities. As far as he was aware, the event was the first of its kind in his 24 years in New Zealand.

It was co-ordinated by the Arasan NZ Trust with support from the Indian High Commission of New Zealand and Dunedin’s Indian Community.

It included a flag ceremony, performances and guests Dunedin Multi-Ethnic Council past-president Tushar Robins, Dunedin city councillor Steve Walker and Labour MP Rachel Brooking.

About 150 people attended the celebrations, Dr Selvanesan said.