The Consulate General of India in Durban marked the 75th Indian Republic Day with a lavish ceremony at the Gujarati Hindu Sanskruti Kendra in Greyville.
The Friday evening event, themed Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka (India – The Mother of Democracy), showcased a vibrant mix of cultural heritage and modern development, drawing participation from diverse groups including the Indian diaspora and local communities.
The evening’s festivities started with a traditional diya lighting ceremony.
Presiding over the event, Consul General Dr Thelma John David was joined by distinguished guests such as Dr Linda Zama, representing the Premier of Kwa-Zulu Natal; Ela Gandhi, a former Member of National Parliament and Padma Bhushan and Parvasi Bhartiya awardee; Sibusiso Ndebele, former High Commissioner of South Africa to India; and Judge Thokozile Masipa.
Dr David, in her speech, reflected on the significance of Republic Day, noting its unifying effect on Indians globally, and emphasising the celebration’s resonance with the Indian and South African communities. She highlighted 2024 as a landmark year, mentioning the recent consecration of the new Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a symbol of India’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Dr David also shed light on India’s advancements in space exploration, citing the Chandrayaan mission to the moon and the Aditya mission aimed at studying the outermost layers of the sun. She applauded India’s lead in next-gen technology, emphasising the nation’s achievement in providing affordable data connectivity and pioneering digital public infrastructure like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhar (an innovative payment system). These advancements have contributed to India becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy and lifting over 250 million people out of poverty in the last decade.
The Consul General also touched on India’s successful G-20 presidency, highlighting the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and the expansion of BRICS in 2023. She remarked on the synchronicity of India and South Africa conducting nationwide elections in 2024, reinforcing the democratic bond between the two nations.
Recalling her visits to historical sites linked to the Indian diaspora in South Africa, Dr David expressed her deep connection to the shared history of struggle against colonialism and apartheid. She also introduced a new scheme to promote traditional artisans and art forms, showcasing an exhibition in the foyer.
The formal speeches were followed by a captivating cultural performance by Taal Chhandam, a troupe sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), along with renditions of South African songs by Menzi Mngoma and Ms Classic. The event concluded with an Indian vegetarian feast featuring special millet dishes, enjoyed by all attendees.
