City of Unley marks India’s Independence Day

Unley Council is keen to engage with India and the Indian community in Oz

shown respect for and celebrated India’s Independence Day with a flag hoisting ceremony

BY VINAYA RAI

One day many years ago, I happened to see the Indian flag eing raised outside my workplace.

“Hey! What are you doing with my flag I almost shouted at the man hoisting it up. It was to welcome some dignitaries visiting from India, but I was so surprised to see

On a cold, wet morning, the Lord Mayor of Unley, Lachlan Clyne came out in all his mayoral regalia to raise the Indian tricolour in the City of Unley. It was still raining a little when we went out to the front of the building, on Unley Road (which is Unley’s main thoroughfare) but that did not dampen the mayor’s and other staff’s enthusiasm in raising our flag. he Indians present on the occasion sang the National nthem loudly, hearts filled with it with members of the Indian community, especially the residents of Unley. He welcomed greater involvement of the Indian community in council activities and said the Council would always support Indians to settle in Unley and celebrate their culture and traditions including festivals and national days. the tricolour going up that I did not know whether I was shocked or pleased.

But this year on 15 August, when I saw the Indian national flag go up outside the City of Unley ouncil fices, there was no other emotion but joy and pride. It may e the first time in outh Australia (probably Australia) that a Council has, of its own volition, pleasure. There were even some damp eyes - it is something very special to see the tiranga go up and fly in an adopted country. n such occasions, we realise our feelings for the land of our birth are just as strong and special!

In a short speech, the mayor acknowledged the importance of the day and said he felt proud and honoured to be celebrating

Chirag Trivedi of Australia India usiness ouncil spoke riefly on behalf the Indian community. He thanked the Mayor and hoped that gestures like this would lead to greater opportunities for Indians in Unley and also greater business opportunities for Unley in India.

Speaking to Indian Link, the Mayor said the decision to hoist the flag was made as a sign o Council’s acknowledgment that for our Indian brothers and sisters this day has a great deal